Effects of Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatases on Ion Channels in Excitable Membranes

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Herzig ◽  
Joachim Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Protein Phosphatases ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Regulatory Subunits ◽  
Phosphatase Inhibitors ◽  
Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors

This review deals with the influence of serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatases on the function of ion channels in the plasma membrane of excitable tissues. Particular focus is given to developments of the past decade. Most of the electrophysiological experiments have been performed with protein phosphatase inhibitors. Therefore, a synopsis is required incorporating issues from biochemistry, pharmacology, and electrophysiology. First, we summarize the structural and biochemical properties of protein phosphatase (types 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3–7) catalytic subunits and their regulatory subunits. Then the available pharmacological tools (protein inhibitors, nonprotein inhibitors, and activators) are introduced. The use of these inhibitors is discussed based on their biochemical selectivity and a number of methodological caveats. The next section reviews the effects of these tools on various classes of ion channels (i.e., voltage-gated Ca2+ and Na+ channels, various K+ channels, ligand-gated channels, and anion channels). We delineate in which cases a direct interaction between a protein phosphatase and a given channel has been proven and where a more complex regulation is likely involved. Finally, we present ideas for future research and possible pathophysiological implications.

scholarly journals Signalling pathways involved in the control of sperm cell volume

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M Petrunkina ◽  
R A P Harrison ◽  
M Tsolova ◽  
E Jebe ◽  
E Töpfer-Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Cell Volume ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Regulatory Volume Decrease ◽  
Phosphatase Inhibitors ◽  
Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Volume Measurements

The ability to maintain cellular volume is an important general physiological function, which is achieved by specific molecular mechanisms. Hypotonically induced swelling results in the opening of K+and Cl−ion channels, through which these ions exit with accompanying water loss. This process is known as regulatory volume decrease (RVD). The molecular mechanisms that control the opening of the ion channels in spermatozoa are as yet poorly understood. The present study investigated pathways of osmo-signalling using boar spermatozoa as a model. Spermatozoa were diluted into isotonic and hypotonic Hepes-buffered saline in the presence or absence of effector drugs, and at predetermined intervals volume measurements were performed electronically. Treatment with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine, bismaleimide I and bismaleimide X led to dose-dependent increases of both isotonic and hypotonic volumes (P<0.05). However, as the isotonic volume was affected more than the hypotonic volume, the kinase inhibitors appeared to improve RVD, whereas activation of PKC with phorbol dibutyrate blocked RVD. The increase in isotonic cell volume induced by bismaleimide X was observed in chloride-containing medium but not in the medium in which chloride was replaced by sulphate, implying that PKC was involved in the control of chloride channel activity, e.g. by closing the channel after volume adjustment. The protein phosphatase PP1/PP2 inhibitors calyculin and okadaic acid increased the isotonic volume only slightly but they greatly increased the relative cell volume and blocked RVD. The activation of RVD processes was found to be cAMP-dependent; incubation with forskolin and papaverine improved volume regulation. Moreover, papaverine was able to overcome the negative effect of protein phosphatase inhibitors. The mechanism of sperm RVD appears to involve (a) alterations in protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation balance brought about by PKC and PP1 and (b) a cAMP-dependent activating pathway.

Serine/threonine protein phosphatases and regulation of K-Cl cotransport in human erythrocytes

1999 ◽  
Vol 277 (5) ◽  
pp. C926-C936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Bize ◽  
Birol Güvenç ◽  
Aeisha Robb ◽  
Guido Buchbinder ◽  
Carlo Brugnara
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Protein Phosphatases ◽  
Human Erythrocytes ◽  
Phosphatase Inhibitors ◽  
Pp2a Activity ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors ◽  
Membrane Bound

Activation of K-Cl cotransport is associated with activation of membrane-bound serine/threonine protein phosphatases (S/T-PPases). We characterize red blood cell S/T-PPases and K-Cl cotransport activity regarding protein phosphatase inhibitors and response to changes in ionic strength and cell size. Protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) activity is highly sensitive to calyculin A (CalA) but not to okadaic acid (OA). PP2A activity is highly sensitive to CalA and OA. CalA completely inhibits K-Cl cotransport activity, whereas OA partially inhibits K-Cl cotransport. Membrane PP1 and membrane PP2A activities are elevated in cells suspended in hypotonic solutions, where K-Cl cotransport is elevated. Increases in membrane PP1 activity (62 ± 10% per 100 meq/l) result from decreases in intracellular ionic strength and correlate with increases in K-Cl cotransport activity (54 ± 10% per 100 meq/l). Increases in membrane PP2A activity (270 ± 77% per 100 mosM) result from volume increases and also correlate with increases in K-Cl cotransport activity (420 ± 47% per 100 mosM). The characteristics of membrane-associated PP1 and PP2A are consistent with a role for both phosphatases in K-Cl cotransport activation in human erythrocytes.

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