scholarly journals Estimating Binding Affinities of the Nicotinic Receptor for Low-efficacy Ligands Using Mixtures of Agonists and Two-dimensional Concentration–Response Relationships

2006 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 719-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamini Purohit ◽  
Claudio Grosman
Keyword(s):  
Nicotinic Receptor ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Kinetic Scheme ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Channel Response ◽  
Closed State ◽  
Dissociation Equilibrium

The phenomenon of ligand-induced ion channel gating hinges upon the ability of a receptor channel to bind ligand molecules with conformation-specific affinities. However, our understanding of this fundamental phenomenon is notably limited, not only because the changes in binding site structure and ligand conformation that occur upon gating are largely unknown but, also, because the strength of these ligand–receptor interactions are experimentally elusive. Both high- and low-efficacy ligands pose a number of analytical and experimental challenges that can render the estimation of their conformation-specific binding affinities impossible. In this paper, we present a novel assay that overcomes some of the hurdles presented by weak agonists of the muscle nicotinic receptor and allows the estimation of their closed-state affinities. The method, which we have termed the “activation-competition” assay, consists of a single-channel concentration–response assay performed in the presence of a binary mixture of ligands of widely different efficacies. By plotting the channel response (i.e., the open probability) as a function of the concentration of each agonist in the mixture, interpreting the observed response in the framework of a plausible kinetic scheme, and fitting the open probability surface with the corresponding function, the affinities of the closed receptor for the two agonists can be simultaneously extracted as free parameters. Here, we applied this methodology to estimate the closed-state affinity of the muscle nicotinic receptor for choline (a very weak agonist) using acetylcholine (ACh) as the partner in the mixture. We estimated the dissociation equilibrium constant of choline (KD) from the wild type's closed state to be 4.1 ± 0.5 mM (and that of ACh to be 106 ± 6 μM). We also discuss the use of accurate estimates of affinities for low-efficacy agonists as a tool to discriminate between binding and gating effects of mutations, and in the context of the rational design of therapeutic drugs.

Stilbene disulfonate blockade of colonic secretory Cl- channels in planar lipid bilayers

1989 ◽  
Vol 256 (4) ◽  
pp. C902-C912 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Bridges ◽  
R. T. Worrell ◽  
R. A. Frizzell ◽  
D. J. Benos
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Kinetic Scheme ◽  
Disulfonic Acid ◽  
Lipid Bilayer Membranes ◽  
Plasma Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Cl Channel ◽  
Cl Channels

We studied blockade by 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DNDS) of a secretory Cl- channel from colonic enterocyte plasma membrane vesicles incorporated into planar lipid bilayer membranes. Except for intermittent long-lived closed periods (100 ms to several min), the control channel open probability (Po) was greater than 90%. DNDS, added to the cis or vesicle-containing side, which corresponds to the outer membrane side of the channel, caused a dramatic increase in the number of current transitions from the open-to-closed state. DNDS caused a concentration-dependent decrease in Po with a maximum inhibition of 95 +/- 2.0% and a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 3.3 +/- 1.4 microM. DNDS added to the trans side of the channel had no effect on either the single-channel conductance or kinetic behavior of the channel. Kinetic analysis revealed that DNDS blockade from the cis side could be explained by a linear, closed-open-blocked, kinetic scheme. The estimated DNDS block rate constants were kon = 3.2 X 10(7) M-1.s-1 and koff = 52 s-1, yielding an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 2.1 +/- 0.38 microM, similar to the Ki for inhibition of Po. The effects of DNDS were fully reversible after perfusion of the cis compartment with DNDS-free solution. In contrast, the covalently reactive 4,4'-diisothiocyano-substituted stilbene disulfonate caused an irreversible blockade of the Cl- channel.

scholarly journals CFTR displays voltage dependence and two gating modes during stimulation.

1994 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Fischer ◽  
T E Machen
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Noise Analysis ◽  
Current Noise ◽  
Corner Frequency ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Closed State ◽  
Open States ◽  
Multichannel Recordings ◽  
Long Channel

The patch-clamp technique in conjunction with current noise analysis was employed to clarify the events underlying the regulation of the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) during cAMP-dependent stimulation. 3T3 fibroblast cells expressing the CFTR were stimulated in cell-attached mode with forskolin. The number (N) of activated channels per patch ranged from 1 to approximately 100. In true single-channel recordings, CFTR's gating was best described by two open states (approximately 5 and approximately 100 ms) and three closed states (< or = 5, approximately 100, and approximately 1,000 ms). Current noise analysis resulted in spectra containing two distinct Lorentzian noise components with corner frequencies of 1.3 Hz and approximately 50 Hz, respectively. Single-channel time constants were dependent on voltage. The fastest closed state increased its contribution from 48% at +100 mV to 87% at -100 mV, and the medium open state reduced its length to one half, resulting in gating dominated by fast events. Similarly, the fast Lorentzian increased its amplitude, and its corner frequency increased from 44 Hz at +100 mV to 91 Hz at -100 mV, while the slow Lorentzian was voltage independent. In multi-channel recordings N.Po (i.e., N times open probability) increased significantly, on average by 52% between -90 and +90 mV. Stimulation with forskolin increased Po of CFTR to approximately 0.5, which resulted from a decrease of the longest closed state while the faster open and closed states were unaffected. Neither corner frequency was affected during stimulation. Recordings from multichannel patches revealed in addition, unique, very long channel openings (high Po mode, average 13 s). Channels exhibiting high Po (i.e., Po approximately 1.0) or low Po (i.e., Po approximately 0.5) gating modes were both present in multichannel recordings, and CFTRs switched modes during stimulation. In addition, the switch to the high Po mode appeared to be a cooperative event for channel pairs. High forskolin concentration (i.e., 10 microM) favored transition into the high Po mode, suggesting a cellularly mediated regulation of model switching due to a fundamental change in configuration of the CFTR. Thus, during stimulation the CFTR increased its activity through two distinct effects: the reduction of the long closed state and modal switching to the high Po mode.

scholarly journals Constitutive boost of a K+ channel via inherent bilayer tension and a unique tension-dependent modality

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (51) ◽  
pp. 13117-13122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masayuki Iwamoto ◽  
Shigetoshi Oiki
Keyword(s):  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Phospholipid Composition ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Acidic Ph ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Potassium Channel Kcsa ◽  
Physical Features

Molecular mechanisms underlying channel-membrane interplay have been extensively studied. Cholesterol, as a major component of the cell membrane, participates either in specific binding to channels or via modification of membrane physical features. Here, we examined the action of various sterols (cholesterol, epicholesterol, etc.) on a prototypical potassium channel (KcsA). Single-channel current recordings of the KcsA channel were performed in a water-in-oil droplet bilayer (contact bubble bilayer) with a mixed phospholipid composition (azolectin). Upon membrane perfusion of sterols, the activated gate at acidic pH closed immediately, irrespective of the sterol species. During perfusion, we found that the contacting bubbles changed their shapes, indicating alterations in membrane physical features. Absolute bilayer tension was measured according to the principle of surface chemistry, and inherent bilayer tension was ∼5 mN/m. All tested sterols decreased the tension, and the nonspecific sterol action to the channel was likely mediated by the bilayer tension. Purely mechanical manipulation that reduced bilayer tension also closed the gate, whereas the resting channel at neutral pH never activated upon increased tension. Thus, rather than conventional stretch activation, the channel, once ready to activate by acidic pH, changes the open probability through the action of bilayer tension. This constitutes a channel regulating modality by two successive stimuli. In the contact bubble bilayer, inherent bilayer tension was high, and the channel remained boosted. In the cell membrane, resting tension is low, and it is anticipated that the ready-to-activate channel remains closed until bilayer tension reaches a few millinewton/meter during physiological and pathological cellular activities.

scholarly journals Gating of O2-sensitive K+ channels of arterial chemoreceptor cells and kinetic modifications induced by low PO2.

1992 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Ganfornina ◽  
J López-Barneo
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Kinetic Scheme ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Kinetic Properties ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Glomus Cells ◽  
Activation Pathway ◽  
Closed State

We have studied the kinetic properties of the O2-sensitive K+ channels (KO2 channels) of dissociated glomus cells from rabbit carotid bodies exposed to variable O2 tension (PO2). Experiments were done using single-channel and whole-cell recording techniques. The major gating properties of KO2 channels in excised membrane patches can be explained by a minimal kinetic scheme that includes several closed states (C0 to C4), an open state (O), and two inactivated states (I0 and I1). At negative membrane potentials most channels are distributed between the left-most closed states (C0 and C1), but membrane depolarization displaces the equilibrium toward the open state. After opening, channels undergo reversible transitions to a short-living closed state (C4). These transitions configure a burst, which terminates by channels either returning to a closed state in the activation pathway (C3) or entering a reversible inactivated conformation (I0). Burst duration increases with membrane depolarization. During a maintained depolarization, KO2 channels make several bursts before ending at a nonreversible, absorbing, inactivated state (I1). On moderate depolarizations, KO2 channels inactivate very often from a closed state. Exposure to low PO2 reversibly induces an increase in the first latency, a decrease in the number of bursts per trace, and a higher occurrence of closed-state inactivation. The open state and the transitions to adjacent closed or inactivated states seem to be unaltered by hypoxia. Thus, at low PO2 the number of channels that open in response to a depolarization decreases, and those channels that follow the activation pathway open more slowly and inactivate faster. At the macroscopic level, these changes are paralleled by a reduction in the peak current amplitude, slowing down of the activation kinetics, and acceleration of the inactivation time course. The effects of low PO2 can be explained by assuming that under this condition the closed state C0 is stabilized and the transitions to the absorbing inactivated state I1 are favored. The fact that hypoxia modifies kinetically defined conformational states of the channels suggests that O2 levels determine the structure of specific domains of the KO2 channel molecule. These results help to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the enhancement of the excitability of glomus cells in response to hypoxia.

scholarly journals Mechanism of Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide–Gated Ion Channels by Diacylglycerol

2000 ◽  
Vol 116 (6) ◽  
pp. 755-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer I. Crary ◽  
Dylan M. Dean ◽  
Wang Nguitragool ◽  
Peri T. Kurshan ◽  
Anita L. Zimmerman
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Nucleotide ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Transmembrane Segments ◽  
Closed State ◽  
Cng Channel ◽  
Channel Interactions ◽  
Cloned Bovine ◽  
Critical Components

Cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) channels are critical components in the visual and olfactory signal transduction pathways, and they primarily gate in response to changes in the cytoplasmic concentration of cyclic nucleotides. We previously found that the ability of the native rod CNG channel to be opened by cGMP was markedly inhibited by analogues of diacylglycerol (DAG) without a phosphorylation reaction (Gordon, S.E., J. Downing-Park, B. Tam, and A.L. Zimmerman. 1995. Biophys. J. 69:409–417). Here, we have studied cloned bovine rod and rat olfactory CNG channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and have determined that they are differentially inhibited by DAG. At saturating [cGMP], DAG inhibition of homomultimeric (α subunit only) rod channels was similar to that of the native rod CNG channel, but DAG was much less effective at inhibiting the homomultimeric olfactory channel, producing only partial inhibition even at high [DAG]. However, at low open probability (Po), both channels were more sensitive to DAG, suggesting that DAG is a closed state inhibitor. The Hill coefficients for DAG inhibition were often greater than one, suggesting that more than one DAG molecule is required for effective inhibition of a channel. In single-channel recordings, DAG decreased the Po but not the single-channel conductance. Results with chimeras of rod and olfactory channels suggest that the differences in DAG inhibition correlate more with differences in the transmembrane segments and their attached loops than with differences in the amino and carboxyl termini. Our results are consistent with a model in which multiple DAG molecules stabilize the closed state(s) of a CNG channel by binding directly to the channel and/or by altering bilayer–channel interactions. We speculate that if DAG interacts directly with the channel, it may insert into a putative hydrophobic crevice among the transmembrane domains of each subunit or at the hydrophobic interface between the channel and the bilayer.

scholarly journals cAMP Increases Density of ENaC Subunits in the Apical Membrane of MDCK Cells in Direct Proportion to Amiloride-sensitive Na+ Transport

2002 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan G. Morris ◽  
James A. Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Apical Membrane ◽  
Mdck Cells ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Na Channels ◽  
Direct Proportion ◽  
Na Transport ◽  
Open Probability

Antidiuretic hormone and/or cAMP increase Na+ transport in the rat renal collecting duct and similar epithelia, including Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayers grown in culture. This study was undertaken to determine if that increment in Na+ transport could be explained quantitatively by an increased density of ENaC Na+ channels in the apical membrane. MDCK cells with no endogenous ENaC expression were retrovirally transfected with rat α-, β-, and γENaC subunits, each of which were labeled with the FLAG epitope in their extracellular loop as described previously (Firsov, D., L. Schild, I. Gautschi, A.-M. Mérillat, E. Schneeberger, and B.C. Rossier. 1996. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 93:15370–15375). The density of ENaC subunits was quantified by specific binding of 125I-labeled anti-FLAG antibody (M2) to the apical membrane, which was found to be a saturable function of M2 concentration with half-maximal binding at 4–8 nM. Transepithelial Na+ transport was measured as the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current (AS-Isc) across MDCK cells grown on permeable supports. Specific M2 binding was positively correlated with AS-Isc measured in the same experiments. Stimulation with cAMP (20 μM 8-p-chlorothio-cAMP plus 200 μM IBMX) significantly increased AS-Isc from 11.2 ± 1.3 to 18.1 ± 1.3 μA/cm2. M2 binding (at 1.7 nM M2) increased in direct proportion to AS-Isc from 0.62 ± 0.13 to 1.16 ± 0.18 fmol/cm2. Based on the concentration dependence of M2 binding, the quantity of Na+ channels per unit of AS-Isc was calculated to be the same in the presence and absence of cAMP, 0.23 ± 0.04 and 0.21 ±0.05 fmol/μA, respectively. These values would be consistent with a single channel conductance of ∼5 pS (typically reported for ENaC channels) only if the open probability is <0.02, i.e., less than one-tenth of the typical value. We interpret the proportional increases in binding and AS-Isc to indicate that the increased density of ENaC subunits in the apical membrane can account completely for the Isc increase produced by cAMP.

Chemical modification of Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels of GH3 anterior pituitary cells

1992 ◽  
Vol 263 (5) ◽  
pp. C1081-C1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Frace ◽  
D. C. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Gh3 Cells ◽  
Disulfonic Acid ◽  
State Transitions ◽  
Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid ◽  
Voltage Sensitivity ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Amino Groups ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Long Duration

The effects of amino group specific reagents were examined on single, large-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated, K+ channels in excised membrane patches from GH3 cells. The reagents used include trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and its 4-acetamido derivative, and sulfophenyl-isothiocyanate. These reagents react covalently with peptide terminal amino groups and the epsilon amino groups of lysine residues, thereby removing positive charge. Internal application of 0.1-1.0 mM reagent to inside-out patches irreversibly increases channel open probability. Single-channel conductance and voltage sensitivity are not affected by modification. Analysis of channel openings and closures shows that the increase in open probability is predominantly due to the loss of long-duration closures of the channel; however, the lengths of long-duration openings are increased. After the modification in the presence of Ca2+ was performed, the channel open probability remains large, regardless of the internal Ca2+ concentration. Transitions among several open and closed states of the modified channel are present in the absence of Ca2+, suggesting that many state transitions are not directly dependent on Ca2+ binding or dissociation.

scholarly journals The inhibitory effect of Gβγ and Gβ isoform specificity on ENaC activity

2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (9) ◽  
pp. F1365-F1373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Yu ◽  
Otor Al-Khalili ◽  
Billie Jeanne Duke ◽  
James D. Stockand ◽  
Douglas C. Eaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
A6 Cells ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Downstream Effectors ◽  
Isoform Specificity ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) activity, which determines the rate of renal Na+ reabsorption, can be regulated by G protein-coupled receptors. Regulation of ENaC by Gα-mediated downstream effectors has been studied extensively, but the effect of Gβγ dimers on ENaC is unclear. A6 cells endogenously contain high levels of Gβ1 but low levels of Gβ3, Gβ4, and Gβ5 were detected by Q-PCR. We tested Gγ2 combined individually with Gβ1 through Gβ5 expressed in A6 cells, after which we recorded single-channel ENaC activity. Among the five β and γ2 combinations, β1γ2 strongly inhibits ENaC activity by reducing both ENaC channel number ( N) and open probability ( Po) compared with control cells. In contrast, the other four β-isoforms combined with γ2 have no significant effect on ENaC activity. By using various inhibitors to probe Gβ1γ2 effects on ENaC regulation, we found that Gβ1γ2-mediated ENaC inhibition involved activation of phospholipase C-β and its enzymatic products that induce protein kinase C and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

scholarly journals Potentiation of TRPC5 by Protons

2007 ◽  
Vol 282 (46) ◽  
pp. 33868-33878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Semtner ◽  
Michael Schaefer ◽  
Olaf Pinkenburg ◽  
Tim D. Plant
Keyword(s):  
Phospholipase C ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Channel ◽  
Extracellular Ph ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Transient Receptor

Mammalian members of the classical transient receptor potential channel subfamily (TRPC) are Ca2+-permeable cation channels involved in receptor-mediated increases in intracellular Ca2+. TRPC4 and TRPC5 form a group within the TRPC subfamily and are activated in a phospholipase C-dependent manner by an unidentified messenger. Unlike most other Ca2+-permeable channels, TRPC4 and -5 are potentiated by micromolar concentrations of La3+ and Gd3+. This effect results from an action of the cations at two glutamate residues accessible from the extracellular solution. Here, we show that TRPC4 and -5 respond to changes in extracellular pH. Lowering the pH increased both G protein-activated and spontaneous TRPC5 currents. Both effects were already observed with small reductions in pH (from 7.4 to 7.0) and increased up to pH 6.5. TRPC4 was also potentiated by decreases in pH, whereas TRPC6 was only inhibited, with a pIC50 of 5.7. Mutation of the glutamate residues responsible for lanthanoid sensitivity of TRPC5 (E543Q and E595Q) modified the potentiation of TRPC5 by acid. Further evidence for a similarity in the actions of lanthanoids and H+ on TRPC5 is the reduction in single channel conductance and dramatic increase in channel open probability in the presence of either H+ or Gd3+ that leads to larger integral currents. In conclusion, the high sensitivity of TRPC5 to H+ indicates that, in addition to regulation by phospholipase C and other factors, the channel may act as a sensor of pH that links decreases in extracellular pH to Ca2+ entry and depolarization.

scholarly journals Membrane-delimited Inhibition of Maxi-K Channel Activity by the Intermediate Conductance Ca2+-activated K Channel

2006 ◽  
Vol 127 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Thompson ◽  
Ted Begenisich
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Chemical Activation ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Channel Proteins ◽  
K Activity

The complexity of mammalian physiology requires a diverse array of ion channel proteins. This diversity extends even to a single family of channels. For example, the family of Ca2+-activated K channels contains three structural subfamilies characterized by small, intermediate, and large single channel conductances. Many cells and tissues, including neurons, vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells, macrophages, and salivary glands express more than a single class of these channels, raising questions about their specific physiological roles. We demonstrate here a novel interaction between two types of Ca2+-activated K channels: maxi-K channels, encoded by the KCa1.1 gene, and IK1 channels (KCa3.1). In both native parotid acinar cells and in a heterologous expression system, activation of IK1 channels inhibits maxi-K activity. This interaction was independent of the mode of activation of the IK1 channels: direct application of Ca2+, muscarinic receptor stimulation, or by direct chemical activation of the IK1 channels. The IK1-induced inhibition of maxi-K activity occurred in small, cell-free membrane patches and was due to a reduction in the maxi-K channel open probability and not to a change in the single channel current level. These data suggest that IK1 channels inhibit maxi-K channel activity via a direct, membrane-delimited interaction between the channel proteins. A quantitative analysis indicates that each maxi-K channel may be surrounded by four IK1 channels and will be inhibited if any one of these IK1 channels opens. This novel, regulated inhibition of maxi-K channels by activation of IK1 adds to the complexity of the properties of these Ca2+-activated K channels and likely contributes to the diversity of their functional roles.

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