Sex differences in pituitary corticotroph excitability

Stress-related illness represents a major burden on health and society. Sex differences in stress-related disorders are well documented, with women having twice the lifetime rate of depression compared to men and most anxiety disorders. Anterior pituitary corticotrophs are central components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, receiving input from hypothalamic neuropeptides corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), while regulating glucocorticoid output from the adrenal cortex. The dynamic control of electrical excitability by CRH/AVP and glucocorticoids is critical for corticotroph function; however, whether corticotrophs contribute to sexually differential responses of the HPA axis, which might underlie differences in stress-related disorders, is very poorly understood. Using perforated patch clamp electrophysiology in corticotrophs from mice expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the Pomc promoter, we characterized basal and secretagogue-evoked excitability. Both male and female corticotrophs show predominantly single-spike action potentials under basal conditions; however, males predominantly display spikes with small-amplitude (<20 mV) afterhyperpolarizations (B-type), whereas females displayed a mixture of B-type spikes and spikes with a large-amplitude (>25 mV) afterhyperpolarization (A-type). In response to CRH, or CRH/AVP, male cells almost exclusively transition to a predominantly pseudo-plateau bursting, whereas only female B-type cells display bursting in response to CRH±AVP. Treatment of male or female corticotrophs with 1 nM estradiol (E2) for 24-72 h has no effect on the proportion of cells with A- or B-type spikes in either sex. However, E2 results in the cessation of CRH-induced bursting in both male and female corticotrophs, which can be partially reversed by adding a BK current using a dynamic clamp. RNA-seq analysis of purified corticotrophs reveals extensive differential gene expression at the transcriptional level, including more than 71 mRNAs encoding ion channel subunits. Interestingly, there is a two-fold lower level (p < 0.01) of BK channel pore-forming subunit (Kcnma1) expression in females compared to males, which may partially explain the decrease in CRH-induced bursting. This study identified sex differences at the level of the anterior pituitary corticotroph ion channel landscape and control of both spontaneous and CRH-evoked excitability. Determining the mechanisms of sex differences of corticotroph and HPA activity at the cellular level could be an important step for better understanding, diagnosing, and treating stress-related disorders.

Oxidation modulates LINGO2-induced inactivation of large conductance, Ca2+-activated potassium channels

Ca²⁺ and voltage-activated K⁺ (BK) channels are ubiquitous ion channels that can be modulated by accessory proteins, including β, γ, and LINGO1 BK subunits. In this study, we utilized a combination of site-directed mutagenesis, patch clamp electrophysiology, and molecular modeling to investigate if the biophysical properties of BK currents were affected by coexpression of LINGO2 and to examine how they are regulated by oxidation. We demonstrate that LINGO2 is a regulator of BK channels, since its coexpression with BK channels yields rapid inactivating currents, the activation of which is shifted ∼-30 mV compared to that of BKα currents. Furthermore, we show the oxidation of BK:LINGO2 currents (by exposure to epifluorescence illumination or chloramine-T) abolished inactivation. The effect of illumination depended on the presence of GFP, suggesting that it released free radicals which oxidized cysteine or methionine residues. In addition, the oxidation effects were resistant to treatment with the cysteine-specific reducing agent DTT, suggesting that methionine rather than cysteine residues may be involved. Our data with synthetic LINGO2 tail peptides further demonstrate that the rate of inactivation was slowed when residues M603 or M605 were oxidized, and practically abolished when both were oxidized. Taken together, these data demonstrate that both methionine residues in the LINGO2 tail mediate the effect of oxidation on BK:LINGO2 channels. Our molecular modeling suggests that methionine oxidation reduces the lipophilicity of the tail, thus preventing it from occluding the pore of the BK channel.

Glucocorticoid action in the anterior pituitary gland: Insights from corticotroph physiology

The anterior pituitary is exposed to ultradian, circadian and stress-induced rhythms of circulating glucocorticoid hormones. Glucocorticoids feedback at the level of the pituitary corticotroph to control their own production through multiple mechanisms. This review highlights key insights from analysis of the dynamics of rapid and early glucocorticoid feedback that reveal both non-genomic and genomic mechanisms mediated by glucocorticoid receptors. Importantly, a common target is control of electrical excitability and calcium signalling although non-genomic effects may also involve control of hormone secretion distal to calcium signalling. Understanding the mechanisms and functional consequences of pulsatile glucocorticoid signalling in the anterior pituitary promises to elucidate the role of glucocorticoids in health and disease, as well as identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Corticotroph isolation from Pomc-eGFP mice reveals sustained transcriptional dysregulation characterising a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis

Glucocorticoids (GC) are prescribed for periods > 3 months to 1%-3% of the UK population; 10%-50% of these patients develop hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, which may last over 6 months and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Recovery of the pituitary and hypothalamus is necessary for recovery of adrenal function. We developed a mouse model of dexamethasone (DEX)-induced HPA axis dysfunction aiming to further explore recovery in the pituitary. Adult male wild-type C57BL6/J or Pomc-eGFP transgenic mice were randomly assigned to receive DEX (approximately 0.4 mg kg^-1 bodyweight day^-1 ) or vehicle via drinking water for 4 weeks following which treatment was withdrawn and tissues were harvested after another 0, 1, and 4 weeks. Corticotrophs were isolated from Pomc-eGFP pituitaries using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and RNA extracted for RNA-sequencing. DEX treatment suppressed corticosterone production, which remained partially suppressed at least 1 week following DEX withdrawal. In the adrenal, Hsd3b2, Cyp11a1, and Mc2r mRNA levels were significantly reduced at time 0, with Mc2r and Cyp11a1 remaining reduced 1 week following DEX withdrawal. The corticotroph transcriptome was modified by DEX treatment, with some differences between groups persisting 4 weeks following withdrawal. No genes supressed by DEX exhibited ongoing attenuation 1 and 4 weeks following withdrawal, whereas only two genes were upregulated and remained so following withdrawal. A pattern of rebound at 1 and 4 weeks was observed in 14 genes that increased following suppression, and in six genes that were reduced by DEX and then increased. Chronic GC treatment may induce persistent changes in the pituitary that may influence future response to GC treatment or stress.

Chronic stress facilitates bursting electrical activity in pituitary corticotrophs

Coordination of an appropriate stress response is dependent upon anterior pituitary corticotroph excitability in response to hypothalamic secretagogues and glucocorticoid negative feedback. A key determinant of corticotroph excitability is large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated (BK) potassium channels that are critical for promoting corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-induced bursting that enhances adrenocorticotrophic hormone secretion. Previous studies revealed hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperexcitability following chronic stress (CS) is partly a function of increased corticotroph output. Thus, we hypothesise that chronic stress promotes corticotroph excitability through a BK-dependent mechanism. Corticotrophs from CS mice displayed significant increase in spontaneous bursting, which was suppressed by the BK blocker paxilline. Mathematical modelling reveals that the time constant of BK channel activation, plus properties and proportion of BK channels functionally coupled to L-type Ca²⁺ channels determines bursting activity. Surprisingly, CS corticotrophs (but not unstressed) display CRH-induced bursting even when the majority of BK channels are inhibited by paxilline, which modelling suggests is a consequence of the stochastic behaviour of a small number of BK channels coupled to L-type Ca²⁺ channels. Our data reveal that changes in the stochastic behaviour of a small number of BK channels can finely tune corticotroph excitability through stress-induced changes in BK channel properties. Importantly, regulation of BK channel function is highly context dependent allowing dynamic control of corticotroph excitability over a large range of time domains and physiological challenges in health and disease. This is likely to occur in other BK-expressing endocrine cells, with important implications for the physiological processes they regulate and the potential for therapy. KEY POINTS: Chronic stress (CS) is predicted to modify the electrical excitability of anterior pituitary corticotrophs. Electrophysiological recordings from isolated corticotrophs from CS male mice display spontaneous electrical bursting behaviour compared to the tonic spiking behaviour of unstressed corticotrophs. The increased spontaneous bursting from CS corticotrophs is BK-dependent and mathematical modelling reveals that the time constant of activation, properties and proportion of BK channels functionally coupled to L-type calcium channels determines the promotion of bursting activity. CS (but not unstressed) corticotrophs display corticotrophin-releasing hormone-induced bursting even when the majority of BK channels are pharmacologically inhibited, which can be explained by the stochastic behaviour of a small number of BK channels with distinct properties. Corticotroph excitability can be finely tuned by the stochastic behaviour of a small number of BK channels dependent on their properties and functional co-localisation with L-type calcium channels to control corticotroph excitability over diverse time domains and physiological challenges.

Regulatory effects of protein S-acylation on insulin secretion and insulin action

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination are well-studied events with a recognized importance in all aspects of cellular function. By contrast, protein S-acylation, although a widespread PTM with important functions in most physiological systems, has received far less attention. Perturbations in S-acylation are linked to various disorders, including intellectual disability, cancer and diabetes, suggesting that this less-studied modification is likely to be of considerable biological importance. As an exemplar, in this review, we focus on the newly emerging links between S-acylation and the hormone insulin. Specifically, we examine how S-acylation regulates key components of the insulin secretion and insulin response pathways. The proteins discussed highlight the diverse array of proteins that are modified by S-acylation, including channels, transporters, receptors and trafficking proteins and also illustrate the diverse effects that S-acylation has on these proteins, from membrane binding and micro-localization to regulation of protein sorting and protein interactions.

Site-specific deacylation by ABHD17a controls BK channel splice variant activity

S-Acylation, the reversible post-translational lipid modification of proteins, is an important mechanism to control the properties and function of ion channels and other polytopic transmembrane proteins. However, although increasing evidence reveals the role of diverse acyl protein transferases (zDHHC) in controlling ion channel S-acylation, the acyl protein thioesterases that control ion channel deacylation are very poorly defined. Here we show that ABHD17a (α/β-hydrolase domain-containing protein 17a) deacylates the stress-regulated exon domain of large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels inhibiting channel activity independently of effects on channel surface expression. Importantly, ABHD17a deacylates BK channels in a site-specific manner because it has no effect on the S-acylated S0-S1 domain conserved in all BK channels that controls membrane trafficking and is deacylated by the acyl protein thioesterase Lypla1. Thus, distinct S-acylated domains in the same polytopic transmembrane protein can be regulated by different acyl protein thioesterases revealing mechanisms for generating both specificity and diversity for these important enzymes to control the properties and functions of ion channels.

siRNA Knockdown of Mammalian zDHHCs and Validation of mRNA Expression by RT-qPCR

The lack of specific pharmacological tools to interrogate the functional role of palmitoyl acyltransferases (zDHHCs) in mammalian cells has significantly hampered the understanding of this important gene family. Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in eukaryotes that allows specific knockdown of the expression of proteins by targeting their coding mRNA. RNAi can thus be used as a proteomic tool to study the functional role of specific zDHHCs in cells by analyzing the effects of endogenous zDHHC knockdown on their protein targets or pathways. Here we describe the application of short interfering RNA (siRNA), a class of short (20-25 base pairs) double-stranded RNAs, to knockdown endogenous zDHHC enzymes expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and subsequent validation of knockdown efficiency using RT-qPCR to quantify zDHHC mRNA levels.

S-Acylation controls functional coupling of BK channel pore-forming α-subunits and β1-subunits

The properties and physiological function of pore-forming α-subunits of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are potently modified by their functional coupling with regulatory subunits in many tissues. However, mechanisms that might control functional coupling are very poorly understood. Here we show that S-acylation, a dynamic post-translational lipid modification of proteins, of the intracellular S0–S1 loop of the BK channel pore-forming α-subunit controls functional coupling to regulatory β1-subunits. In HEK293 cells, α-subunits that cannot be S-acylated show attenuated cell surface expression, but expression was restored by co-expression with the β1-subunit. However, we also found that nonacylation of the S0–S1 loop reduces functional coupling between α- and β1-subunits by attenuating the β1-subunit-induced left shift in the voltage for half-maximal activation. In mouse vascular smooth muscle cells expressing both α- and β1-subunits, BK channel α-subunits were endogenously S-acylated. We further noted that S-acylation is significantly reduced in mice with a genetic deletion of the palmitoyl acyltransferase (Zdhhc23) that controls S-acylation of the S0–S1 loop. Genetic deletion of Zdhhc23 or broad-spectrum pharmacological inhibition of S-acylation attenuated endogenous BK channel currents independently of changes in cell surface expression of the α-subunit. We conclude that functional effects of S-acylation on BK channels depend on the presence of β1-subunits. In the absence of β1-subunits, S-acylation promotes cell surface expression, whereas in its presence, S-acylation controls functional coupling. S-Acylation thus provides a mechanism that dynamically regulates the functional coupling with β1-subunits, enabling an additional level of conditional, cell-specific control of ion-channel physiology.

Control of anterior pituitary cell excitability by calcium-activated potassium channels

In anterior pituitary endocrine cells, large (BK), small (SK) and intermediate (IK) conductance calcium activated potassium channels are key determinants in shaping cellular excitability in a cell type- and context-specific manner. Indeed, these channels are targeted by multiple signaling pathways that stimulate or inhibit cellular excitability. BK channels can, paradoxically, both promote electrical bursting as well as terminate bursting and spiking dependent upon intrinsic BK channel properties and proximity to voltage gated calcium channels in somatotrophs, lactotrophs and corticotrophs. In contrast, SK channels are predominantly activated by calcium released from intracellular IP3-sensitive calcium stores and mediate membrane hyperpolarization in cells including gonadotrophs and corticotrophs. IK channels are predominantly expressed in corticotrophs where they limit membrane excitability. A major challenge for the future is to determine the cell-type specific molecular composition of calcium-activated potassium channels and how they control anterior pituitary hormone secretion as well as other calcium-dependent processes.

Heterogeneity of Calcium Responses to Secretagogues in Corticotrophs From Male Rats

Heterogeneity in homotypic cellular responses is an important feature of many biological systems, and it has been shown to be prominent in most anterior pituitary hormonal cell types. In this study, we analyze heterogeneity in the responses to hypothalamic secretagogues in the corticotroph cell population of adult male rats. Using the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s, we determined the intracellular calcium responses of these cells to corticotropin-releasing hormone and arginine-vasopressin. Our experiments revealed marked population heterogeneity in the response to these peptides, in terms of amplitude and dynamics of the responses, as well as the sensitivity to different concentrations and duration of stimuli. However, repeated stimuli to the same cell produced remarkably consistent responses, indicating that these are deterministic on a cell-by-cell level. We also describe similar heterogeneity in the sensitivity of cells to inhibition by corticosterone. In summary, our results highlight a large degree of heterogeneity in the cellular mechanisms that govern corticotroph responses to their physiological stimuli; this could provide a mechanism to extend the dynamic range of the responses at the population level to allow adaptation to different physiological challenges.

Distinct domains of the β1-subunit cytosolic N terminus control surface expression and functional properties of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels

The properties and function of large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are modified by the tissue-specific expression of regulatory β1-subunits. Although the short cytosolic N-terminal domain of the β1-subunit is important for controlling both BK channel trafficking and function, whether the same, or different, regions of the N terminus control these distinct processes remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that the first six N-terminal residues including Lys-3, Lys-4, and Leu-5 are critical for controlling functional regulation, but not trafficking, of BK channels. This membrane-distal region has features of an amphipathic helix that is predicted to control the orientation of the first transmembrane-spanning domain (TM1) of the β1-subunit. In contrast, a membrane-proximal leucine residue (Leu-17) controls trafficking without affecting functional coupling, an effect that is in part dependent on controlling efficient endoplasmic reticulum exit of the pore-forming α-subunit. Thus cell surface trafficking and functional coupling with BK channels are controlled by distinct domains of the β1-subunit N terminus.

Obesogenic and Diabetogenic Effects of High-Calorie Nutrition Require Adipocyte BK Channels

Elevated adipose tissue expression of the Ca²⁺- and voltage-activated K⁺ (BK) channel was identified in morbidly obese men carrying a BK gene variant, supporting the hypothesis that K⁺ channels affect the metabolic responses of fat cells to nutrients. To establish the role of endogenous BKs in fat cell maturation, storage of excess dietary fat, and body weight (BW) gain, we studied a gene-targeted mouse model with global ablation of the BK channel (BK^L1/L1) and adipocyte-specific BK-deficient (adipoqBK^L1/L2) mice. Global BK deficiency afforded protection from BW gain and excessive fat accumulation induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Expansion of white adipose tissue-derived epididymal BK^L1/L1 preadipocytes and their differentiation to lipid-filled mature adipocytes in vitro, however, were improved. Moreover, BW gain and total fat masses of usually superobese ob/ob mice were significantly attenuated in the absence of BK, together supporting a central or peripheral role for BKs in the regulatory system that controls adipose tissue and weight. Accordingly, HFD-fed adipoqBK^L1/L2 mutant mice presented with a reduced total BW and overall body fat mass, smaller adipocytes, and reduced leptin levels. Protection from pathological weight gain in the absence of adipocyte BKs was beneficial for glucose handling and related to an increase in body core temperature as a result of higher levels of uncoupling protein 1 and a low abundance of the proinflammatory interleukin-6, a common risk factor for diabetes and metabolic abnormalities. This suggests that adipocyte BK activity is at least partially responsible for excessive BW gain under high-calorie conditions, suggesting that BK channels are promising drug targets for pharmacotherapy of metabolic disorders and obesity.

Glucocorticoids Inhibit CRH/AVP-Evoked Bursting Activity of Male Murine Anterior Pituitary Corticotrophs

Corticotroph cells from the anterior pituitary are an integral component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs the neuroendocrine response to stress. Corticotrophs are electrically excitable and fire spontaneous single-spike action potentials and also display secretagogue-induced bursting behavior. The HPA axis function is dependent on effective negative feedback in which elevated plasma glucocorticoids result in inhibition at the level of both the pituitary and the hypothalamus. In this study, we have used an electrophysiological approach coupled with mathematical modeling to investigate the regulation of spontaneous and CRH/arginine vasopressin-induced activity of corticotrophs by glucocorticoids. We reveal that pretreatment of corticotrophs with 100 nM corticosterone (CORT; 90 and 150 min) reduces spontaneous activity and prevents a transition from spiking to bursting after CRH/arginine vasopressin stimulation. In addition, previous studies have identified a role for large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels in the generation of secretagogue-induced bursting in corticotrophs. Using the dynamic clamp technique, we demonstrated that CRH-induced bursting can be switched to spiking by subtracting a fast BK current, whereas the addition of a fast BK current can induce bursting in CORT-treated cells. In addition, recordings from BK knockout mice (BK(-/-)) revealed that CORT can also inhibit excitability through BK-independent mechanisms to control spike frequency. Thus, we have established that glucocorticoids can modulate multiple properties of corticotroph electrical excitability through both BK-dependent and BK-independent mechanisms.

BK Channels and the Control of the Pituitary

The pituitary gland provides the important link between the nervous system and the endocrine system and regulates a diverse range of physiological functions. The pituitary is connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk and is comprised primarily of two lobes. The anterior lobe consists of five hormone-secreting cell types which are electrically excitable and display single-spike action potentials as well as complex bursting patterns. Bursting is of particular interest as it raises intracellular calcium to a greater extent than spiking and is believed to underlie secretagogue-induced hormone secretion. BK channels have been identified as a key regulator of bursting in anterior pituitary cells. Experimental data and mathematical modeling have demonstrated that BK activation during the upstroke of an action potential results in a prolonged depolarization and an increase in intracellular calcium. In contrast, the posterior lobe is primarily composed of axonal projections of magnocellular neurosecretory cells which extend from the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. In these neuroendocrine cells, BK channel activation results in a decrease in excitability and hormone secretion. The opposite effect of BK channels in the anterior and posterior pituitary highlights the diverse role of BK channels in regulating the activity of excitable cells. Further studies of pituitary cell excitability and the specific role of BK channels would lead to a greater understanding of how pituitary cell excitability is regulated by both hypothalamic secretagogues and negative feedback loops, and could ultimately lead to novel treatments to pituitary-related disorders.

Posttranscriptional and Posttranslational Regulation of BK Channels

Large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are ubiquitously expressed and play an important role in the regulation of an eclectic array of physiological processes. Their diverse functional role requires channels with a wide variety of properties even though the pore-forming α-subunit is encoded by a single gene, KCNMA1. To achieve this, BK channels exploit some of the most fundamental posttranscriptional and posttranslational mechanisms that allow proteomic diversity to be generated from a single gene. These include mechanisms that diversify mRNA variants and abundance such as alternative pre-mRNA splicing, editing, and control by miRNA. The BK channel is also subject to a diverse array of posttranslational modifications including protein phosphorylation, lipidation, glycosylation, and ubiquitination to control the number, properties, and regulation of BK channels in specific cell types. Importantly, "cross talk" between these posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications typically converge on disordered domains of the BK channel α-subunit. This allows both wide physiological diversity to be generated and a diversity of mechanisms to allow conditional regulation of BK channels and is emerging as an important determinant of BK channel function in health and disease.

The physiology of protein S-acylation

Protein S-acylation, the only fully reversible posttranslational lipid modification of proteins, is emerging as a ubiquitous mechanism to control the properties and function of a diverse array of proteins and consequently physiological processes. S-acylation results from the enzymatic addition of long-chain lipids, most typically palmitate, onto intracellular cysteine residues of soluble and transmembrane proteins via a labile thioester linkage. Addition of lipid results in increases in protein hydrophobicity that can impact on protein structure, assembly, maturation, trafficking, and function. The recent explosion in global S-acylation (palmitoyl) proteomic profiling as a result of improved biochemical tools to assay S-acylation, in conjunction with the recent identification of enzymes that control protein S-acylation and de-acylation, has opened a new vista into the physiological function of S-acylation. This review introduces key features of S-acylation and tools to interrogate this process, and highlights the eclectic array of proteins regulated including membrane receptors, ion channels and transporters, enzymes and kinases, signaling adapters and chaperones, cell adhesion, and structural proteins. We highlight recent findings correlating disruption of S-acylation to pathophysiology and disease and discuss some of the major challenges and opportunities in this rapidly expanding field.

Large conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK) channels promote secretagogue-induced transition from spiking to bursting in murine anterior pituitary corticotrophs

Anterior pituitary corticotroph cells are a central component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis essential for the neuroendocrine response to stress. Corticotrophs are excitable cells that receive input from two hypothalamic secretagogues, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) to control the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Although corticotrophs are spontaneously active and increase in excitability in response to CRH and AVP the patterns of electrical excitability and underlying ionic conductances are poorly understood. In this study, we have used electrophysiological, pharmacological and genetic approaches coupled with mathematical modelling to investigate whether CRH and AVP promote distinct patterns of electrical excitability and to interrogate the role of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels in spontaneous and secretagogue-induced activity. We reveal that BK channels do not play a significant role in the generation of spontaneous activity but are critical for the transition to bursting in response to CRH. In contrast, AVP promotes an increase in single spike frequency, a mechanism independent of BK channels but dependent on background non-selective conductances. Co-stimulation with CRH and AVP results in complex patterns of excitability including increases in both single spike frequency and bursting. The ability of corticotroph excitability to be differentially regulated by hypothalamic secretagogues provides a mechanism for differential control of corticotroph excitability in response to different stressors.

Large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channels (BK) promote secretagogue-induced transition from spiking to bursting in murine anterior pituitary corticotrophs

Anterior pituitary corticotroph cells are a central component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis essential for the neuroendocrine response to stress. Corticotrophs are excitable cells that receive input from two hypothalamic secretagogues, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) to control the release of adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH). Although corticotrophs are spontaneously active and increase in excitability in response to CRH and AVP the patterns of electrical excitability and underlying ionic conductances are poorly understood. In this study, we have used electrophysiological, pharmacological and genetic approaches coupled with mathematical modeling to investigate whether CRH and AVP promote distinct patterns of electrical excitability and to interrogate the role of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated (BK) channels in spontaneous and secretagogue-induced activity. We reveal that BK channels do not play a significant role in the generation of spontaneous activity but are critical for the transition to bursting in response to CRH. In contrast, AVP promotes an increase in single spike frequency, a mechanism independent of BK channels but dependent on background non-selective conductances. Co-stimulation with CRH and AVP results in complex patterns of excitability including increases in both single spike frequency and bursting. The ability of corticotroph excitability to be differentially regulated by hypothalamic secretagogues provides a mechanism for differential control of corticotroph excitability in response to different stressors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

S-acylation dependent post-translational cross-talk regulates large conductance calcium- and voltage- activated potassium (BK) channels

Mechanisms that control surface expression and/or activity of large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are important determinants of their (patho)physiological function. Indeed, BK channel dysfunction is associated with major human disorders ranging from epilepsy to hypertension and obesity. S-acylation (S-palmitoylation) represents a major reversible, post-translational modification controlling the properties and function of many proteins including ion channels. Recent evidence reveals that both pore-forming and regulatory subunits of BK channels are S-acylated and control channel trafficking and regulation by AGC-family protein kinases. The pore-forming α-subunit is S-acylated at two distinct sites within the N- and C-terminus, each site being regulated by different palmitoyl acyl transferases (zDHHCs) and acyl thioesterases (APTs). S-acylation of the N-terminus controls channel trafficking and surface expression whereas S-acylation of the C-terminal domain determines regulation of channel activity by AGC-family protein kinases. S-acylation of the regulatory β4-subunit controls ER exit and surface expression of BK channels but does not affect ion channel kinetics at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, a significant number of previously identified BK-channel interacting proteins have been shown, or are predicted to be, S-acylated. Thus, the BK channel multi-molecular signaling complex may be dynamically regulated by this fundamental post-translational modification and thus S-acylation likely represents an important determinant of BK channel physiology in health and disease.

Ion channel regulation by protein S-acylation

Protein S-acylation, the reversible covalent fatty-acid modification of cysteine residues, has emerged as a dynamic posttranslational modification (PTM) that controls the diversity, life cycle, and physiological function of numerous ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels. S-acylation is enzymatically mediated by a diverse family of acyltransferases (zDHHCs) and is reversed by acylthioesterases. However, for most ion channels, the dynamics and subcellular localization at which S-acylation and deacylation cycles occur are not known. S-acylation can control the two fundamental determinants of ion channel function: (1) the number of channels resident in a membrane and (2) the activity of the channel at the membrane. It controls the former by regulating channel trafficking and the latter by controlling channel kinetics and modulation by other PTMs. Ion channel function may be modulated by S-acylation of both pore-forming and regulatory subunits as well as through control of adapter, signaling, and scaffolding proteins in ion channel complexes. Importantly, cross-talk of S-acylation with other PTMs of both cysteine residues by themselves and neighboring sites of phosphorylation is an emerging concept in the control of ion channel physiology. In this review, I discuss the fundamentals of protein S-acylation and the tools available to investigate ion channel S-acylation. The mechanisms and role of S-acylation in controlling diverse stages of the ion channel life cycle and its effect on ion channel function are highlighted. Finally, I discuss future goals and challenges for the field to understand both the mechanistic basis for S-acylation control of ion channels and the functional consequence and implications for understanding the physiological function of ion channel S-acylation in health and disease.

Palmitoylation of the β4-subunit regulates surface expression of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel splice variants

Regulatory β-subunits of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels play an important role in generating functional diversity and control of cell surface expression of the pore forming α-subunits. However, in contrast to α-subunits, the role of reversible post-translational modification of intracellular residues on β-subunit function is largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the human β4-subunit is S-acylated (palmitoylated) on a juxtamembrane cysteine residue (Cys-193) in the intracellular C terminus of the regulatory β-subunit. β4-Subunit palmitoylation is important for cell surface expression and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit of the β4-subunit alone. Importantly, palmitoylated β4-subunits promote the ER exit and surface expression of the pore-forming α-subunit, whereas β4-subunits that cannot be palmitoylated do not increase ER exit or surface expression of α-subunits. Strikingly, however, this palmitoylation- and β4-dependent enhancement of α-subunit surface expression was only observed in α-subunits that contain a putative trafficking motif (… REVEDEC) at the very C terminus of the α-subunit. Engineering this trafficking motif to other C-terminal α-subunit splice variants results in α-subunits with reduced surface expression that can be rescued by palmitoylated, but not depalmitoylated, β4-subunits. Our data reveal a novel mechanism by which palmitoylated β4-subunit controls surface expression of BK channels through masking of a trafficking motif in the C terminus of the α-subunit. As palmitoylation is dynamic, this mechanism would allow precise control of specific splice variants to the cell surface. Our data provide new insights into how complex interplay between the repertoire of post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms controls cell surface expression of BK channels.

Modulating patterned adhesion and repulsion of HEK 293 cells on microengineered parylene-C/SiO(2) substrates

This article describes high resolution patterning of HEK 293 cells on a construct of micropatterned parylene-C and silicon dioxide. Photolithographic patterning of parylene-C on silicon dioxide is an established and consistent process. Activation of patterns by immersion in serum has previously enabled patterning of murine hippocampal neurons and glia, as well as the human hNT cell line. Adapting this protocol we now illustrate high resolution patterning of the HEK 293 cell line. We explore hypotheses that patterning is mediated by transmembrane integrin interactions with differentially absorbed serum proteins, and also by etching the surface substrate with piranha solution. Using rationalized protein activation solutions in place of serum, we show that cell patterning can be modulated or even inverted. These cell-patterning findings assist our wider goal of engineering and interfacing functional neuronal networks via a silicon semiconductor platform.

Palmitoylation and membrane association of the stress axis regulated insert (STREX) controls BK channel regulation by protein kinase C

Large-conductance, calcium- and voltage-gated potassium (BK) channels play an important role in cellular excitability by controlling membrane potential and calcium influx. The stress axis regulated exon (STREX) at splice site 2 inverts BK channel regulation by protein kinase A (PKA) from stimulatory to inhibitory. Here we show that palmitoylation of STREX controls BK channel regulation also by protein kinase C (PKC). In contrast to the 50% decrease of maximal channel activity by PKC in the insertless (ZERO) splice variant, STREX channels were completely resistant to PKC. STREX channel mutants in which Ser(700), located between the two regulatory domains of K(+) conductance (RCK) immediately downstream of the STREX insert, was replaced by the phosphomimetic amino acid glutamate (S700E) showed a ∼50% decrease in maximal channel activity, whereas the S700A mutant retained its normal activity. BK channel inhibition by PKC, however, was effectively established when the palmitoylation-mediated membrane-anchor of the STREX insert was removed by either pharmacological inhibition of palmitoyl transferases or site-directed mutagenesis. These findings suggest that STREX confers a conformation on BK channels where PKC fails to phosphorylate and to inhibit channel activity. Importantly, PKA which inhibits channel activity by disassembling the STREX insert from the plasma membrane, allows PKC to further suppress the channel gating independent from voltage and calcium. Our results present an important example for the cross-talk between ion channel palmitoylation and phosphorylation in regulation of cellular excitability.

Distinct acyl protein transferases and thioesterases control surface expression of calcium-activated potassium channels

Protein palmitoylation is rapidly emerging as an important determinant in the regulation of ion channels, including large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels. However, the enzymes that control channel palmitoylation are largely unknown. Indeed, although palmitoylation is the only reversible lipid modification of proteins, acyl thioesterases that control ion channel depalmitoylation have not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that palmitoylation of the intracellular S0-S1 loop of BK channels is controlled by two of the 23 mammalian palmitoyl-transferases, zDHHC22 and zDHHC23. Palmitoylation by these acyl transferases is essential for efficient cell surface expression of BK channels. In contrast, depalmitoylation is controlled by the cytosolic thioesterase APT1 (LYPLA1), but not APT2 (LYPLA2). In addition, we identify a splice variant of LYPLAL1, a homolog with ∼30% identity to APT1, that also controls BK channel depalmitoylation. Thus, both palmitoyl acyltransferases and acyl thioesterases display discrete substrate specificity for BK channels. Because depalmitoylated BK channels are retarded in the trans-Golgi network, reversible protein palmitoylation provides a critical checkpoint to regulate exit from the trans-Golgi network and thus control BK channel cell surface expression.

An electrostatic switch controls palmitoylation of the large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel

Protein palmitoylation is a major dynamic posttranslational regulator of protein function. However, mechanisms that control palmitoylation are poorly understood. In many proteins, palmitoylation occurs at cysteine residues juxtaposed to membrane-anchoring domains such as transmembrane helices, sites of irreversible lipid modification, or hydrophobic and/or polybasic domains. In particular, polybasic domains represent an attractive mechanism to dynamically control protein palmitoylation, as the function of these domains can be dramatically influenced by protein phosphorylation. Here we demonstrate that a polybasic domain immediately upstream of palmitoylated cysteine residues within an alternatively spliced insert in the C terminus of the large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channel is an important determinant of channel palmitoylation and function. Mutation of basic amino acids to acidic residues within the polybasic domain results in inhibition of channel palmitoylation and a significant right-shift in channel half maximal voltage for activation. Importantly, protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of a single serine residue within the core of the polybasic domain, which results in channel inhibition, also reduces channel palmitoylation. These data demonstrate the key role of the polybasic domain in controlling stress-regulated exon palmitoylation and suggests that phosphorylation controls the domain by acting as an electrostatic switch.

Control of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis activity by the intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, SK4

Non-technical summary

Our ability to respond to stress is critically dependent upon the release of the stress hormone adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from corticotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. ACTH release is controlled by the electrical properties of corticotrophs that are determined by the movement of ions through channel pores in the plasma membrane. We show that a calcium-activated potassium ion channel called SK4 is expressed in corticotrophs and regulates ACTH release. We provide evidence of how SK4 channels control corticotroph function, which is essential for understanding homeostasis and for treating stress-related disorders.

Abstract

The anterior pituitary corticotroph is a major control point for the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the neuroendocrine response to stress. Although corticotrophs are known to be electrically excitable, ion channels controlling the electrical properties of corticotrophs are poorly understood. Here, we exploited a lentiviral transduction system to allow the unequivocal identification of live murine corticotrophs in culture. We demonstrate that corticotrophs display highly heterogeneous spontaneous action-potential firing patterns and their resting membrane potential is modulated by a background sodium conductance. Physiological concentrations of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) cause a depolarization of corticotrophs, leading to a sustained increase in action potential firing. A major component of the outward potassium conductance was mediated via intermediate conductance calcium-activated (SK4) potassium channels. Inhibition of SK4 channels with TRAM-34 resulted in an increase in corticotroph excitability and exaggerated CRH/AVP-stimulated ACTH secretion in vitro. In accordance with a physiological role for SK4 channels in vivo, restraint stress-induced plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations were significantly enhanced in gene-targeted mice lacking SK4 channels (Kcnn4^−/−). In addition, Kcnn4^−/− mutant mice displayed enhanced hypothalamic c-fos and nur77 mRNA expression following restraint, suggesting increased neuronal activation. Thus, stress hyperresponsiveness observed in Kcnn4^−/− mice results from enhanced secretagogue-induced ACTH output from anterior pituitary corticotrophs and may also involve increased hypothalamic drive, thereby suggesting an important role for SK4 channels in HPA axis function.

Ion channel regulation by protein palmitoylation

Protein S-palmitoylation, the reversible thioester linkage of a 16-carbon palmitate lipid to an intracellular cysteine residue, is rapidly emerging as a fundamental, dynamic, and widespread post-translational mechanism to control the properties and function of ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels. Palmitoylation controls multiple stages in the ion channel life cycle, from maturation to trafficking and regulation. An emerging concept is that palmitoylation is an important determinant of channel regulation by other signaling pathways. The elucidation of enzymes controlling palmitoylation and developments in proteomics tools now promise to revolutionize our understanding of this fundamental post-translational mechanism in regulating ion channel physiology.

BK channels affect glucose homeostasis and cell viability of murine pancreatic beta cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Evidence is accumulating that Ca(2+)-regulated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels are important for beta cell function. We used BK channel knockout (BK-KO) mice to examine the role of these K(Ca) channels for glucose homeostasis, beta cell function and viability.

METHODS

Glucose and insulin tolerance were tested with male wild-type and BK-KO mice. BK channels were detected by single-cell RT-PCR, cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) by fura-2 fluorescence, and insulin secretion by radioimmunoassay. Electrophysiology was performed with the patch-clamp technique. Apoptosis was detected via caspase 3 or TUNEL assay.

RESULTS

BK channels were expressed in murine pancreatic beta cells. BK-KO mice were normoglycaemic but displayed markedly impaired glucose tolerance. Genetic or pharmacological deletion of the BK channel reduced glucose-induced insulin secretion from isolated islets. BK-KO and BK channel inhibition (with iberiotoxin, 100 nmol/l) broadened action potentials and abolished the after-hyperpolarisation in glucose-stimulated beta cells. However, BK-KO did not affect action potential frequency, the plateau potential at which action potentials start or glucose-induced elevation of [Ca(2+)](c). BK-KO had no direct influence on exocytosis. Importantly, in BK-KO islet cells the fraction of apoptotic cells and the rate of cell death induced by oxidative stress (H(2)O(2), 10-100 μmol/l) were significantly increased compared with wild-type controls. Similar effects were obtained with iberiotoxin. Determination of H(2)O(2)-induced K(+) currents revealed that BK channels contribute to the hyperpolarising K(+) current activated under conditions of oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Ablation or inhibition of BK channels impairs glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion by interfering with beta cell stimulus-secretion coupling. In addition, BK channels are part of a defence mechanism against apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Selective expression in carotid body type I cells of a single splice variant of the large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channel confers regulation by AMP-activated protein kinase

Inhibition of large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK_Ca) channels mediates, in part, oxygen sensing by carotid body type I cells. However, BK_Ca channels remain active in cells that do not serve to monitor oxygen supply. Using a novel, bacterially derived AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), we show that AMPK phosphorylates and inhibits BK_Ca channels in a splice variant-specific manner. Inclusion of the stress-regulated exon within BK_Ca channel α subunits increased the stoichiometry of phosphorylation by AMPK when compared with channels lacking this exon. Surprisingly, however, the increased phosphorylation conferred by the stress-regulated exon abolished BK_Ca channel inhibition by AMPK. Point mutation of a single serine (Ser-657) within this exon reduced channel phosphorylation and restored channel inhibition by AMPK. Significantly, RT-PCR showed that rat carotid body type I cells express only the variant of BK_Ca that lacks the stress-regulated exon, and intracellular dialysis of bacterially expressed AMPK markedly attenuated BK_Ca currents in these cells. Conditional regulation of BK_Ca channel splice variants by AMPK may therefore determine the response of carotid body type I cells to hypoxia.

Palmitoylation of the S0-S1 linker regulates cell surface expression of voltage- and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels

S-Palmitoylation is rapidly emerging as an important post-translational mechanism to regulate ion channels. We have previously demonstrated that large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are palmitoylated within an alternatively spliced (STREX) insert. However, these studies also revealed that additional site(s) for palmitoylation must exist outside of the STREX insert, although the identity or the functional significance of these palmitoylated cysteine residues are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that BK channels are palmitoylated at a cluster of evolutionary conserved cysteine residues (Cys-53, Cys-54, and Cys-56) within the intracellular linker between the S0 and S1 transmembrane domains. Mutation of Cys-53, Cys-54, and Cys-56 completely abolished palmitoylation of BK channels lacking the STREX insert (ZERO variant). Palmitoylation allows the S0-S1 linker to associate with the plasma membrane but has no effect on single channel conductance or the calcium/voltage sensitivity. Rather, S0-S1 linker palmitoylation is a critical determinant of cell surface expression of BK channels, as steady state surface expression levels are reduced by ∼55% in the C53:54:56A mutant. STREX variant channels that could not be palmitoylated in the S0-S1 linker also displayed significantly reduced cell surface expression even though STREX insert palmitoylation was unaffected. Thus our work reveals the functional independence of two distinct palmitoylation-dependent membrane interaction domains within the same channel protein and demonstrates the critical role of S0-S1 linker palmitoylation in the control of BK channel cell surface expression.

Multiple palmitoyltransferases are required for palmitoylation-dependent regulation of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels

Palmitoylation is emerging as an important and dynamic regulator of ion channel function; however, the specificity with which the large family of acyl palmitoyltransferases (zinc finger Asp-His-His-Cys type-containing acyl palmitoyltransferase (DHHCs)) control channel palmitoylation is poorly understood. We have previously demonstrated that the alternatively spliced stress-regulated exon (STREX) variant of the intracellular C-terminal domain of the large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels is palmitoylated and targets the STREX domain to the plasma membrane. Using a combined imaging, biochemical, and functional approach coupled with loss-of-function (small interfering RNA knockdown of endogenous DHHCs) and gain-of-function (overexpression of recombinant DHHCs) assays, we demonstrate that multiple DHHCs control palmitoylation of the C terminus of STREX channels, the association of the STREX domain with the plasma membrane, and functional channel regulation. Cysteine residues 12 and 13 within the STREX insert were the only endogenously palmitoylated residues in the entire C terminus of the STREX channel. Palmitoylation of this dicysteine motif was controlled by DHHCs 3, 5, 7, 9, and 17, although DHHC17 showed the greatest specificity for this site upon overexpression of the cognate DHHC. DHHCs that palmitoylated the channel also co-assembled with the channel in co-immunoprecipitation experiments, and knockdown of any of these DHHCs blocked regulation of the channel by protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation. Taken together our data reveal that a subset of DHHCs controls STREX palmitoylation and function and suggest that DHHC17 may preferentially target cysteine-rich domains. Finally, our approach may prove useful in elucidating the specificity of DHHC palmitoylation of intracellular domains of other ion channels and transmembrane proteins.

Membrane trafficking of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels is regulated by alternative splicing of a transplantable, acidic trafficking motif in the RCK1-RCK2 linker

Trafficking of the pore-forming α-subunits of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels to the cell surface represents an important regulatory step in controlling BK channel function. Here, we identify multiple trafficking signals within the intracellular RCK1-RCK2 linker of the cytosolic C terminus of the channel that are required for efficient cell surface expression of the channel. In particular, an acidic cluster-like motif was essential for channel exit from the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent cell surface expression. This motif could be transplanted onto a heterologous nonchannel protein to enhance cell surface expression by accelerating endoplasmic reticulum export. Importantly, we identified a human alternatively spliced BK channel variant, hSloΔ_579–664, in which these trafficking signals are excluded because of in-frame exon skipping. The hSloΔ_579–664 variant is expressed in multiple human tissues and cannot form functional channels at the cell surface even though it retains the putative RCK domains and downstream trafficking signals. Functionally, the hSloΔ_579–664 variant acts as a dominant negative subunit to suppress cell surface expression of BK channels. Thus alternative splicing of the intracellular RCK1-RCK2 linker plays a critical role in determining cell surface expression of BK channels by controlling the inclusion/exclusion of multiple trafficking motifs.

Cloning of potassium channel splice variants from tissues and cells

Potassium channels display considerable functional diversity. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing represents one of the most powerful post-transcriptional mechanisms to create physiological diversity by generating multiple protein products from a single gene. Due to the modular nature of proteins, alternative splicing can profoundly modify potassium channel structure, function and regulation. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is exploited by most genes but is particularly prevalent in single gene families as exemplified by the gene (KCNMA1), which encodes large conductance calcium- and voltage-gated potassium (BK) channel alpha-subunits. Importantly, alternative pre-mRNA splicing is kept under spatiotemporal control by circulating hormones and cellular activity, as well as being differentially modified during development and in different tissues. While the sequencing of numerous genomes has further demonstrated the importance of splicing in generating diversity from a limited genome size, a major challenge is to define splice variants that are expressed in tissues and their functional role. Here we describe strategies and protocols to experimentally define and isolate splice variant mRNA transcripts in multiple tissues and provide a platform to characterise the effect of splice variants on channel function and physiology.

Characterization of BK channel splice variants using membrane potential dyes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are encoded by a single gene that displays extensive pre-mRNA splicing. Here we exploited a membrane potential assay to investigate the sensitivity of different BK splice variants to elevations in intracellular free calcium and their inhibition by the BK channel blocker paxilline.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Murine BK channel splice variants were expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and their properties analysed in response to ionomycin-induced calcium influx in both fluorescent membrane potential (fluorescent-imaging plate reader) and patch clamp electrophysiological assays. The dose-dependent inhibition of distinct splice variants by the BK channel-specific blocker paxilline was also investigated.

KEY RESULTS

Ionomycin-induced calcium influx induced a robust hyperpolarization of human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing distinct BK channel splice variants: stress regulated exon (STREX), e22 and ZERO. Splice variant expression resulted in membrane hyperpolarization that displayed a rank order of potency in response to calcium influx of STREX > e22 > ZERO. The BK channel inhibitor paxilline exhibited very similar potency on all three splice variants with IC(50)s in membrane potential assays of 0.35 +/- 0.04, 0.37 +/- 0.03 and 0.70 +/- 0.02 micromol x L(-1) for STREX, ZERO and e22 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

BK channel splice variants can be rapidly discriminated using membrane potential based assays, based on their sensitivity to calcium. BK channel splice variants are inhibited by the specific blocker paxilline with similar IC(50)s. Thus, paxilline may be used in functional assays to inhibit BK channel function, irrespective of the variant expressed.

Hierarchal type III secretion of translocators and effectors from Escherichia coli O157:H7 requires the carboxy terminus of SepL that binds to Tir

SUMMARY

Type III secretion (T3S) from enteric bacteria is a co-ordinated process with a hierarchy of secreted proteins. In enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, SepL and SepD are essential for translocator but not effector protein export, but how they function to control this differential secretion is not known. This study has focused on the different activities of SepL including membrane localization, SepD binding, EspD export and Tir secretion regulation. Analyses of SepL truncates demonstrated that the different functions associated with SepL can be separated. In particular, SepL with a deletion of 11 amino acids from the C-terminus was able to localize to the bacterial membrane, export translocon proteins but not regulate Tir or other effector protein secretion. From the repertoire of effector proteins only Tir was shown to bind directly to full-length SepL and the C-terminal 48 amino acids of SepL was sufficient to interact with Tir. By synchronizing induction of T3S, it was evident that the Tir-binding capacity of SepL is important to delay the release of effector proteins while the EspADB translocon is secreted. The interaction between Tir and SepL is therefore a critical step that controls the timing of T3S in attaching and effacing pathogens.

Inducible knockout mutagenesis reveals compensatory mechanisms elicited by constitutive BK channel deficiency in overactive murine bladder

The large-conductance, voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) (BK) channel links membrane depolarization and local increases in cytosolic free Ca(2+) to hyperpolarizing K(+) outward currents, thereby controlling smooth muscle contractility. Constitutive deletion of the BK channel in mice (BK(-/-)) leads to an overactive bladder associated with increased intravesical pressure and frequent micturition, which has been revealed to be a result of detrusor muscle hyperexcitability. Interestingly, time-dependent and smooth muscle-specific deletion of the BK channel (SM-BK(-/-)) caused a more severe phenotype than displayed by constitutive BK(-/-) mice, suggesting that compensatory pathways are active in the latter. In detrusor muscle of BK(-/-) but not SM-BK(-/-) mice, we found reduced L-type Ca(2+) current density and increased expression of cAMP kinase (protein kinase A; PKA), as compared with control mice. Increased expression of PKA in BK(-/-) mice was accompanied by enhanced beta-adrenoceptor/cAMP-mediated suppression of contractions by isoproterenol. This effect was attenuated by about 60-70% in SM-BK(-/-) mice. However, the Rp isomer of adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, a blocker of PKA, only partially inhibited enhanced cAMP signaling in BK(-/-) detrusor muscle, suggesting the existence of additional compensatory pathways. To this end, proteome analysis of BK(-/-) urinary bladder tissue was performed, and revealed additional compensatory regulated proteins. Thus, constitutive and inducible deletion of BK channel activity unmasks compensatory mechanisms that are relevant for urinary bladder relaxation.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyporesponsiveness to restraint stress in mice deficient for large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels

Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing ACTH from the anterior pituitary gland and glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. Stress also activates the sympathetic nervous system, evoking adrenaline release from the adrenal medulla. Large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels have been implicated in regulation of cellular excitability in these systems. Here, we examine the functional role of BK channels in HPA axis regulation in vivo using female mice genetically deficient (BK(-/-)) for the pore-forming subunits of BK channels. BK(-/-) phenotype in the HPA was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and corticotrope patch-clamp recording. Restraint stress-induced plasma concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone were significantly blunted in BK(-/-) mice compared with wild type (WT) controls. This stress hyporesponsiveness was associated with reduced activation of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons. Basal expression of CRH, but not arginine vasopressin mRNA in the PVN was significantly lower in BK(-/-) mice compared with WT controls. Total anterior pituitary ACTH peptide content, but not proopiomelanocortin mRNA expression or corticotrope number, was significantly reduced in BK(-/-) mice compared with WT. However, anterior pituitary corticotropes from BK(-/-) mice fully supported ACTH output, releasing a significantly greater proportion of stored ACTH in response to secretagogue in vitro compared with WT. These results support an important role for BK channels in both the neural circuitry and endocrine output of the HPA axis and indicate that the stress hyporesponsiveness in BK(-/-) mice primarily results from reduced activation of hypothalamic PVN neurosecretory neurons.

Design of a novel quantitative PCR (QPCR)-based protocol for genotyping mice carrying the neuroprotective Wallerian degeneration slow (Wlds) gene

Background

Mice carrying the spontaneous genetic mutation known as Wallerian degeneration slow (Wld^s) have a unique neuroprotective phenotype, where axonal and synaptic compartments of neurons are protected from degeneration following a wide variety of physical, toxic and inherited disease-inducing stimuli. This remarkable phenotype has been shown to delay onset and progression in several mouse models of neurodegenerative disease, suggesting that Wld^s-mediated neuroprotection may assist in the identification of novel therapeutic targets. As a result, cross-breeding of Wld^s mice with mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases is used increasingly to understand the roles of axon and synapse degeneration in disease. However, the phenotype shows strong gene-dose dependence so it is important to distinguish offspring that are homozygous or heterozygous for the mutation. Since the Wld^s mutation comprises a triplication of a region already present in the mouse genome, the most stringent way to quantify the number of mutant Wld^s alleles is using copy number. Current approaches to genotype Wld^s mice are based on either Southern blots or pulsed field gel electrophoresis, neither of which are as rapid or efficient as quantitative PCR (QPCR).

Results

We have developed a rapid, robust and efficient genotyping method for Wld^s using QPCR. This approach differentiates, based on copy number, homozygous and heterozygous Wld^s mice from wild-type mice and each other. We show that this approach can be used to genotype mice carrying the spontaneous Wld^s mutation as well as animals expressing the Wld^s transgene.

Conclusion

We have developed a QPCR genotyping method that permits rapid and effective genotyping of Wld^s copy number. This technique will be of particular benefit in studies where Wld^s mice are cross-bred with other mouse models of neurodegenerative disease in order to understand the neuroprotective processes conferred by the Wld^s mutation.

CD31 delays phagocyte membrane repolarization to promote efficient binding of apoptotic cells

Homophilic ligation of CD31, a member of the Ig superfamily of adhesion receptors, promotes macrophage clearance of apoptotic leukocytes by a mechanism hitherto not described. In studying CD31-dependent regulation of beta1-integrin binding of fibronectin-coated Latex beads, we discovered a role for the voltage-gated potassium channel ether-à-go-go-related gene (ERG) as a downstream effector of CD31 signaling. ERG was identified by tandem mass spectrometry as a 140-kDa protein, which was selectively modified with biotin following the targeted delivery of a biotin-transfer reagent to CD31 using Fab fragments of an anti-CD31 mAb. Similar results were obtained with macrophages but not K562 cells, expressing a truncated cytoplasmic tail of CD31, which failed to regulate bead binding. Colocalization of CD31 with ERG was confirmed by immunofluorescence for K562 cells and macrophages. We now demonstrate that the resting membrane potential of macrophages is depolarized on contact with apoptotic cells and that CD31 inhibits the ERG current, which would otherwise function to repolarize. Sustained depolarization favored the firm binding of phagocytic targets, a prerequisite for efficient engulfment. Our results identify ERG as a downstream effector of CD31 in the regulation of integrin-dependent binding of apoptotic cells by macrophages.

A noncanonical SH3 domain binding motif links BK channels to the actin cytoskeleton via the SH3 adapter cortactin

Calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels play a central role in regulating multiple physiological processes, from the control of blood flow to neuronal excitability. Coordinated regulation of BK channel activity by changes in actin cytoskeleton dynamics has been implicated in several of these processes and related disease states such as epilepsy and stroke. However, how BK channels interact with the actin cytoskeleton is essentially unknown. Here we demonstrate noncanonical Src homology domain 3 (SH3) binding site motifs in the intracellular C terminus of the BK channel pore-forming alpha-subunit that are conserved from fish to humans. These noncanonical motifs target multiple SH3 domain cellular signaling proteins to BK channels, including the SH3 adapter protein cortactin (EMS1). We demonstrate that cortactin provides a molecular bridge between BK channels and the cortical actin cytoskeleton in cells. Disruption of the SH3-mediated interaction prevents the regulation of BK channel activity controlled by changes in actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Targeting of cortactin to BK channels via a novel, noncanonical SH3 domain binding motif has important implications for the coordination of BK channel function in normal physiology and disease.

Immunolocalization of BK channels in hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Neurons are highly specialized cells in which the integration and processing of electrical signals critically depends on the precise localization of ion channels. For large-conductance Ca(2+)- activated K(+) (BK) channels, targeting to presynaptic membranes in hippocampal pyramidal cells was reported; however, functional evidence also suggests a somatodendritic localization. Therefore we re-examined the subcellular distribution of BK channels in mouse hippocampus using a panel of independent antibodies in a combined approach of conventional immunocytochemistry on cultured neurons, pre- and postembedding electron microscopy and immunoprecipitation. In cultured murine hippocampal neurons, the colocalization of BK channels with both pre- and postsynaptic marker proteins was observed. Electron microscopy confirmed targeting of BK channels to axonal as well as dendritic membranes of glutamatergic synapses in hippocampus. A postsynaptic localization of BK channels was also supported by the finding that the channel coimmunoprecipitated with PSD95, a protein solely expressed in the postsynaptic compartment. These results thus demonstrate that BK channels reside in both post- and presynaptic compartments of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Increased large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel expression accompanied by STREX variant downregulation in the developing mouse CNS

Background

Large conductance calcium- and voltage activated potassium (BK) channels are important determinants of neuronal excitability through effects on action potential duration, frequency and synaptic efficacy. The pore- forming subunits are encoded by a single gene, KCNMA1, which undergoes extensive alternative pre mRNA splicing. Different splice variants can confer distinct properties on BK channels. For example, insertion of the 58 amino acid stress-regulated exon (STREX) insert, that is conserved throughout vertebrate evolution, encodes channels with distinct calcium sensitivity and regulation by diverse signalling pathways compared to the insertless (ZERO) variant. Thus, expression of distinct splice variants may allow cells to differentially shape their electrical properties during development. However, whether differential splicing of BK channel variants occurs during development of the mammalian CNS has not been examined.

Results

Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Taqman™ assays, we demonstrate that total BK channel transcripts are up regulated throughout the murine CNS during embryonic and postnatal development with regional variation in transcript levels. This upregulation is associated with a decrease in STREX variant mRNA expression and an upregulation in ZERO variant expression.

Conclusion

As BK channel splice variants encode channels with distinct functional properties the switch in splicing from the STREX phenotype to ZERO phenotype during embryonic and postnatal CNS development may provide a mechanism to allow BK channels to control distinct functions at different times of mammalian brain development.

The neuroprotective WldS gene regulates expression of PTTG1 and erythroid differentiation regulator 1-like gene in mice and human cells

Wallerian degeneration of injured neuronal axons and synapses is blocked in Wld(S) mutant mice by expression of an nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 1 (Nmnat-1)/truncated-Ube4b chimeric gene. The protein product of the Wld(S) gene localizes to neuronal nuclei. Here we show that Wld(S) protein expression selectively alters mRNA levels of other genes in Wld(S) mouse cerebellum in vivo and following transfection of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells in vitro. The largest changes, identified by microarray analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of cerebellar mRNA, were an approximate 10-fold down-regulation of pituitary tumour-transforming gene-1 (pttg1) and an approximate 5-fold up-regulation of a structural homologue of erythroid differentiation regulator-1 (edr1l-EST). Transfection of HEK293 cells with a Wld(S)-eGFP construct produced similar changes in mRNA levels for these and seven other genes, suggesting that regulation of gene expression by Wld(S) is conserved across different species, including humans. Similar modifications in mRNA levels were mimicked for some of the genes (including pttg1) by 1 mm nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). However, expression levels of most other genes (including edr1l-EST) were insensitive to NAD. Pttg1(-/-) mutant mice showed no neuroprotective phenotype. Transfection of HEK293 cells with constructs comprising either full-length Nmnat-1 or the truncated Ube4b fragment (N70-Ube4b) demonstrated selective effects of Nmnat-1 (down-regulated pttg1) and N70-Ube4b (up-regulated edr1l-EST) on mRNA levels. Similar changes in pttg1 and edr1l-EST were observed in the mouse NSC34 motor neuron-like cell line following stable transfection with Wld(S). Together, the data suggest that the Wld(S) protein co-regulates expression of a consistent subset of genes in both mouse neurons and human cells. Targeting Wld(S)-induced gene expression may lead to novel therapies for neurodegeneration induced by trauma or by disease in humans.

A cysteine-rich motif confers hypoxia sensitivity to mammalian large conductance voltage- and Ca-activated K (BK) channel alpha-subunits

Cellular responses to hypoxia are tissue-specific and dynamic. However, the mechanisms that underlie this differential sensitivity to hypoxia are unknown. Large conductance voltage- and Ca-activated K (BK) channels are important mediators of hypoxia responses in many systems. Although BK channels are ubiquitously expressed, alternative pre-mRNA splicing of the single gene encoding their pore-forming alpha-subunits provides a powerful mechanism for generating functional diversity. Here, we demonstrate that the hypoxia sensitivity of BK channel alpha-subunits is splice-variant-specific. Sensitivity to hypoxia is conferred by a highly conserved motif within an alternatively spliced cysteine-rich insert, the stress-regulated exon (STREX), within the intracellular C terminus of the channel. Hypoxic inhibition of the STREX variant is Ca-sensitive and reversible, and it rapidly follows the change in oxygen tension by means of a mechanism that is independent of redox or CO regulation. Hypoxia sensitivity was abolished by mutation of the serine (S24) residue within the STREX insert. Because STREX splice-variant expression is tissue-specific and dynamically controlled, alternative splicing of BK channels provides a mechanism to control the plasticity of cellular responses to hypoxia.

Functionally Diverse Complement of Large Conductance Calcium- and Voltage-activated Potassium Channel (BK) α-Subunits Generated from a Single Site of Splicing

The pore-forming alpha-subunits of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are encoded by a single gene that undergoes extensive alternative pre-mRNA splicing. However, the extent to which differential exon usage at a single site of splicing may confer functionally distinct properties on BK channels is largely unknown. Here we demonstrated that alternative splicing at site of splicing C2 in the mouse BK channel C terminus generates five distinct splice variants: ZERO, e20, e21(STREX), e22, and a novel variant deltae23. Splice variants display distinct patterns of tissue distribution with e21(STREX) expressed at the highest levels in adult endocrine tissues and e22 at embryonic stages of mouse development. deltae23 is not functionally expressed at the cell surface and acts as a dominant negative of cell surface expression by trapping other BK channel splice variant alpha-subunits in the endoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear compartments. Splice variants display a range of biophysical properties. e21(STREX) and e22 variants display a significant left shift (>20 mV at 1 microM [Ca2+]i) in half-maximal voltage of activation compared with ZERO and e20 as well as considerably slower rates of deactivation. Splice variants are differentially sensitive to phosphorylation by endogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase; ZERO, e20, and e22 variants are all activated, whereas e21 (STREX) is the only variant that is inhibited. Thus alternative pre-mRNA splicing from a single site of splicing provides a mechanism to generate a physiologically diverse complement of BK channel alpha-subunits that differ dramatically in their tissue distribution, trafficking, and regulation.