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

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2914
Author(s):  
Felix Wiedmann ◽  
Norbert Frey ◽  
Constanze Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
K2p Channel ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
Pore Domain

Two-pore-domain potassium (K2P-) channels conduct outward K+ currents that maintain the resting membrane potential and modulate action potential repolarization. Members of the K2P channel family are widely expressed among different human cell types and organs where they were shown to regulate important physiological processes. Their functional activity is controlled by a broad variety of different stimuli, like pH level, temperature, and mechanical stress but also by the presence of lipids or pharmacological agents. In patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, alterations in K2P-channel expression and function have been observed, suggesting functional significance and a potential therapeutic role of these ion channels. For example, upregulation of atrial specific K2P3.1 (TASK-1) currents in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients was shown to contribute to atrial action potential duration shortening, a key feature of AF-associated atrial electrical remodelling. Therefore, targeting K2P3.1 (TASK-1) channels might constitute an intriguing strategy for AF treatment. Further, mechanoactive K2P2.1 (TREK-1) currents have been implicated in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. Cardiovascular expression of other K2P channels has been described, functional evidence in cardiac tissue however remains sparse. In the present review, expression, function, and regulation of cardiovascular K2P channels are summarized and compared among different species. Remodelling patterns, observed in disease models are discussed and compared to findings from clinical patients to assess the therapeutic potential of K2P channels.

Tandem Pore Domain Potassium Channels

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas A. Bayliss
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
K2p Channel ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
System A ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
To Come ◽  
A Site ◽  
Pore Domain

The KCNK gene family encodes two-pore-domain potassium (K2P) channels, which generate the background (“leak”) K+ currents that establish a negative resting membrane potential in cells of the nervous system. A pseudotetrameric K+-selective pore is formed by pairing channel subunits, each with two pore-domains, in homo- or heterodimeric conformations. Unique features apparent from high-resolution K2P channel structures include a domain-swapped extracellular cap domain, a lateral hydrophobic-lined fenestration connecting the lipid bilayer to the channel vestibule, and an antiparallel proximal C-terminal region that links the paired subunits and provides a site for polymodal channel modulation. Individual channels transition between open and closed states, with the channel gate located at the selectivity filter. In general, K2P channels display relatively modest voltage- and time-dependent gating, together with distinct single-channel rectification properties, that conspire to yield characteristic weakly rectifying macroscopic currents over a broad range of membrane potentials (i.e., background K+ currents). Of particular note, K2P channel activity can be regulated by a wide range of physicochemical factors, neuromodulators, and clinically useful drugs; a distinct repertoire of activators and inhibitors for different K2P channel subtypes endows each with unique modulatory potential. Thus, by mediating background currents and serving as targets for multiple modulators, K2P channels are able to dynamically regulate key determinants of cell-intrinsic electroresponsive properties. The roles of specific K2P channels in various physiological processes and pathological conditions are now beginning to come into focus, and this may portend utility for these channels as potential therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals Enhancement of TWIK-related Acid-sensitive Potassium Channel 3 (TASK3) Two-pore Domain Potassium Channel Activity by Tumor Necrosis Factor α

2013 ◽  
Vol 289 (3) ◽  
pp. 1388-1401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mickael-F El Hachmane ◽  
Kathryn A. Rees ◽  
Emma L. Veale ◽  
Vadim V. Sumbayev ◽  
Alistair Mathie
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Channel ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Pore Domain

TASK3 two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are responsible for native leak K channels in many cell types which regulate cell resting membrane potential and excitability. In addition, TASK3 channels contribute to the regulation of cellular potassium homeostasis. Because TASK3 channels are important for cell viability, having putative roles in both neuronal apoptosis and oncogenesis, we sought to determine their behavior under inflammatory conditions by investigating the effect of TNFα on TASK3 channel current. TASK3 channels were expressed in tsA-201 cells, and the current through them was measured using whole cell voltage clamp recordings. We show that THP-1 human myeloid leukemia monocytes, co-cultured with hTASK3-transfected tsA-201 cells, can be activated by the specific Toll-like receptor 7/8 activator, R848, to release TNFα that subsequently enhances hTASK3 current. Both hTASK3 and mTASK3 channel activity is increased by incubation with recombinant TNFα (10 ng/ml for 2–15 h), but other K2P channels (hTASK1, hTASK2, hTREK1, and hTRESK) are unaffected. This enhancement by TNFα is not due to alterations in levels of channel expression at the membrane but rather to an alteration in channel gating. The enhancement by TNFα can be blocked by extracellular acidification but persists for mutated TASK3 (H98A) channels that are no longer acid-sensitive even in an acidic extracellular environment. TNFα action on TASK3 channels is mediated through the intracellular C terminus of the channel. Furthermore, it occurs through the ASK1 pathway and is JNK- and p38-dependent. In combination, TNFα activation and TASK3 channel activity can promote cellular apoptosis.

Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channels as Drug Targets: Anesthesia and Beyond

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 401-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair Mathie ◽  
Emma L. Veale ◽  
Kevin P. Cunningham ◽  
Robyn G. Holden ◽  
Paul D. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
K2p Channel ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
Pharmacological Regulation ◽  
Pore Domain

Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels stabilize the resting membrane potential of both excitable and nonexcitable cells and, as such, are important regulators of cell activity. There are many conditions where pharmacological regulation of K2P channel activity would be of therapeutic benefit, including, but not limited to, atrial fibrillation, respiratory depression, pulmonary hypertension, neuropathic pain, migraine, depression, and some forms of cancer. Up until now, few if any selective pharmacological regulators of K2P channels have been available. However, recent publications of solved structures with small-molecule activators and inhibitors bound to TREK-1, TREK-2, and TASK-1 K2P channels have given insight into the pharmacophore requirements for compound binding to these sites. Together with the increasing availability of a number of novel, active, small-molecule compounds from K2P channel screening programs, these advances have opened up the possibility of rational activator and inhibitor design to selectively target K2P channels.

TASK, TREK & Co.: a mutable potassium channel family for diverse tasks in the brain

e-Neuroforum ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Ehling ◽  
Stefan Bittner ◽  
Sven G. Meuth ◽  
Thomas Budde
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
K2p Channel ◽  
Membrane Pores ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Pore Domain ◽  
The Brain

AbstractDiscovered during the 1990s and in the beginning regarded as passive membrane pores, the family of two-pore domain potassium (K2P)-channels initially received only little attention. Today the view on this channel family comprising 15 ubiquitously expressed members in mammals has greatly changed. K2P-channels carry potassium outward current that counterbalances membrane depolarization and stabilizes the resting membrane potential. Thereby they are important regulators for the excitability and the firing behaviour especially in neurons. The long list of modulating mechanisms underlines the channels’ relevance. K2P-channels in the thalamus contribute to the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. They also mediate the effect of volatile anaesthetics by supporting the thalamic activity mode that is also typical for sleep. This review summarizes our knowledge about K2P-channel physiology in the brain, provides an idea of the role of these channels in neurological diseases and lists open questions as well as technical challenges in K2P-channel research.

scholarly journals A “Target Class” Screen to Identify Activators of Two-Pore Domain Potassium (K2P) Channels

2020 ◽  
pp. 247255522097612
Author(s):  
David McCoull ◽  
Emma Ococks ◽  
Jonathan M. Large ◽  
David C. Tickle ◽  
Alistair Mathie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Small Molecule Activation ◽  
Target Class ◽  
Index Set ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
Additional Approach ◽  
Pore Domain

Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels carry background (or leak) potassium current and play a key role in regulating resting membrane potential and cellular excitability. Accumulating evidence points to a role for K2Ps in human pathophysiologies, most notably in pain and migraine, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. However, there remains a lack of selective pharmacological tools. The aim of this work was to apply a “target class” approach to investigate the K2P superfamily and identify novel activators across all the described subclasses of K2P channels. Target class drug discovery allows for the leveraging of accumulated knowledge and maximizing synergies across a family of targets and serves as an additional approach to standard target-based screening. A common assay platform using baculovirus (BacMam) to transiently express K2P channels in mammalian cells and a thallium flux assay to determine channel activity was developed, allowing the simultaneous screening of multiple targets. Importantly, this system, by allowing precise titration of channel function, allows optimization to facilitate the identification of activators. A representative set of channels (THIK-1, TWIK-1, TREK-2, TASK-3, and TASK-2) were screened against a library of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds and the LifeArc Index Set. Activators were then analyzed in concentration–response format across all channels to assess selectivity. Using the target class approach to investigate the K2P channels has enabled us to determine which of the K2Ps are amenable to small-molecule activation, de-risk multiple channels from a technical point of view, and identify a diverse range of previously undescribed pharmacology.

Determinants of action potential initiation in isolated rabbit atrial and ventricular myocytes

1998 ◽  
Vol 274 (6) ◽  
pp. H1902-H1913 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Golod ◽  
Rajiv Kumar ◽  
Ronald W. Joyner
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Isolated Cells ◽  
Atrial Cells ◽  
Ventricular Cells ◽  
Action Potential Initiation ◽  
Potential Initiation

Action potential conduction through the atrium and the ventricle of the heart depends on the membrane properties of the atrial and ventricular cells, particularly with respect to the determinants of the initiation of action potentials in each cell type. We have utilized both current- and voltage-clamp techniques on isolated cells to examine biophysical properties of the two cell types at physiological temperature. The resting membrane potential, action potential amplitude, current threshold, voltage threshold, and maximum rate of rise measured from atrial cells (−80 ± 1 mV, 109 ± 3 mV, 0.69 ± 0.05 nA, −59 ± 1 mV, and 206 ± 17 V/s, respectively; means ± SE) differed significantly ( P < 0.05) from those values measured from ventricular cells (−82.7 ± 0.4 mV, 127 ± 1 mV, 2.45 ± 0.13 nA, −46 ± 2 mV, and 395 ± 21 V/s, respectively). Input impedance, capacitance, time constant, and critical depolarization for activation also were significantly different between atrial (341 ± 41 MΩ, 70 ± 4 pF, 23.8 ± 2.3 ms, and 19 ± 1 mV, respectively) and ventricular (16.5 ± 5.4 MΩ, 99 ± 4.3 pF, 1.56 ± 0.32 ms, and 36 ± 1 mV, respectively) cells. The major mechanism of these differences is the much greater magnitude of the inward rectifying potassium current in ventricular cells compared with that in atrial cells, with an additional difference of an apparently lower availability of inward Na current in atrial cells. These differences in the two cell types may be important in allowing the atrial cells to be driven successfully by normal regions of automaticity (e.g., the sinoatrial node), whereas ventricular cells would suppress action potential initiation from a region of automaticity (e.g., an ectopic focus).

scholarly journals Melatonin Reduces Excitability in Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons with Inflection on the Repolarization Phase of the Action Potential

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klausen Oliveira-Abreu ◽  
Nathalia Silva-dos-Santos ◽  
Andrelina Coelho-de-Souza ◽  
Francisco Ferreira-da-Silva ◽  
Kerly Silva-Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Dorsal Root Ganglia ◽  
Dorsal Root ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Neuronal Population ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Repolarization Phase

Melatonin is a neurohormone produced and secreted at night by pineal gland. Many effects of melatonin have already been described, for example: Activation of potassium channels in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and inhibition of excitability of a sub-population of neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The DRG is described as a structure with several neuronal populations. One classification, based on the repolarizing phase of the action potential (AP), divides DRG neurons into two types: Without (N0) and with (Ninf) inflection on the repolarization phase of the action potential. We have previously demonstrated that melatonin inhibits excitability in N0 neurons, and in the present work, we aimed to investigate the melatonin effects on the other neurons (Ninf) of the DRG neuronal population. This investigation was done using sharp microelectrode technique in the current clamp mode. Melatonin (0.01–1000.0 nM) showed inhibitory activity on neuronal excitability, which can be observed by the blockade of the AP and by the increase in rheobase. However, we observed that, while some neurons were sensitive to melatonin effect on excitability (excitability melatonin sensitive—EMS), other neurons were not sensitive to melatonin effect on excitability (excitability melatonin not sensitive—EMNS). Concerning the passive electrophysiological properties of the neurons, melatonin caused a hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential in both cell types. Regarding the input resistance (Rin), melatonin did not change this parameter in the EMS cells, but increased its values in the EMNS cells. Melatonin also altered several AP parameters in EMS cells, the most conspicuously changed was the (dV/dt)max of AP depolarization, which is in coherence with melatonin effects on excitability. Otherwise, in EMNS cells, melatonin (0.1–1000.0 nM) induced no alteration of (dV/dt)max of AP depolarization. Thus, taking these data together, and the data of previous publication on melatonin effect on N0 neurons shows that this substance has a greater pharmacological potency on Ninf neurons. We suggest that melatonin has important physiological function related to Ninf neurons and this is likely to bear a potential relevant therapeutic use, since Ninf neurons are related to nociception.

scholarly journals Structures of the human two-pore domain potassium channels TREK-1 and TREK-2

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (a1) ◽  
pp. C1489-C1489
Author(s):  
Ashley Pike ◽  
Yin Dong ◽  
Alexandra Mackenzie ◽  
Conor McClenaghan ◽  
Shubhashish Mukhopadhyay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Channels ◽  
Channel Gating ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Transmembrane Helices ◽  
Ion Conductance ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
Extracellular Stimuli ◽  
Structural Mechanisms ◽  
Pore Domain ◽  
Pore Lining

TREK-1/2 are members of the mechano-gated subfamily of two-pore (K2P) domain potassium channels leaking K+ out of the cell and contributing to the resting membrane potential. In contrast to the classical tetrameric potassium channels, K2P channels are dimeric with an atypical architecture and the structural mechanisms underlying their channel gating are poorly understood. Here we present the crystal structures of human TREK-1 and TREK-2 at resolutions of 2.7 and 3.4Å which provide insights into the basis of intracellular and extracellular gating in this unique family of ion channels. We have solved the structure of TREK-2 in two distinct conformations differing in the orientation of the pore-lining transmembrane helices. The C-terminal M4 helix is hinged at a conserved glycine residue so that it adopts one of two distinct orientations. The M4 helix is either kinked towards the membrane, packing against the M2 inner helix of the adjacent subunit ("M4 up") or straightens and interacts with the M2/M3 helices from the same subunit ("M4 down"). In the M4 down state, a hydrophobic lateral opening runs perpendicular to the ion conductance pathway between M2 and M4 and links the inner vestibule to the membrane-exposed face of the channel. Transition between the "M4 down" and "M4 up" conformations may play a role in channel activation and gating. Cocrystallisation with a TREK-1/2 channel inhibitor promotes the "M4 down" state. The structure of TREK-1 exhibits an "M4-up" conformation but is unusual in that the selectivity filter is significantly distorted with only two correctly-formed potassium sites. The structure also reveals a divalent ion binding site between the extracellular cap and the pore domain loop. The TREK-1 structure illustrates how changes at an extracellular site can affect the pore structure. The structures will be described in detail along with their implications for channel gating in response to intracellular and extracellular stimuli.

scholarly journals Contribution of K2P Potassium Channels to Cardiac Physiology and Pathophysiology

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6635
Author(s):  
Salvador Herrera-Pérez ◽  
Ana Campos-Ríos ◽  
Lola Rueda-Ruzafa ◽  
José Antonio Lamas
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Cardiac Cells ◽  
Expression Data ◽  
Cardiac Physiology ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
K2p Channels ◽  
Qt Syndrome ◽  
Pore Domain

Years before the first two-pore domain potassium channel (K2P) was cloned, certain ion channels had already been demonstrated to be present in the heart with characteristics and properties usually attributed to the TREK channels (a subfamily of K2P channels). K2P channels were later detected in cardiac tissue by RT-PCR, although the distribution of the different K2P subfamilies in the heart seems to depend on the species analyzed. In order to collect relevant information in this regard, we focus here on the TWIK, TASK and TREK cardiac channels, their putative roles in cardiac physiology and their implication in coronary pathologies. Most of the RNA expression data and electrophysiological recordings available to date support the presence of these different K2P subfamilies in distinct cardiac cells. Likewise, we show how these channels may be involved in certain pathologies, such as atrial fibrillation, long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome.

Abstract 262: Depolarization Stimulates Neonatal Cardiomyocyte Proliferation In Vitro

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corin Williams ◽  
Michael Levin ◽  
Lauren D Black
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Heart Defects ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cardiac Cells ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Proliferation ◽  
Potassium Gluconate ◽  
Hypertrophic Growth

Cardiac tissue engineering is a promising approach for treating children with congenital heart defects. However, as cardiomyocytes (CMs) undergo a rapid transition from hyperplastic to hypertrophic growth after birth, a major challenge to the development of engineered cardiac tissue is the limited proliferation of CMs. Mature CMs and other terminally differentiated cell types tend to have a highly negative resting membrane potential (Vmem) while stem cells and less mature cells tend to have Vmem closer to zero. Vmem has been shown to play an important role in cell differentiation and proliferation. We hypothesized that depolarization of cardiac cells would stimulate CM proliferation in vitro . To test our hypothesis, we isolated neonatal rat cardiac cells and cultured them for 24 hr under standard conditions. Cells were then subjected to depolarization treatment for 72 hr using potassium gluconate or ouabain at various concentrations. Samples were fixed and stained for cardiac α-actin (Fig 1A, red) and phospho-histone H3 (Fig 1A, green) to assess CM mitosis. We found that potassium gluconate had no significant effect while ouabain significantly increased CM mitosis, suggesting Vmem regulation via Na/K-ATPase. CM-specific proliferation was significantly higher with 10nM (p= 0.015) and 100nM (p=0.008) ouabain treatment compared to controls (n=3) (Fig 1B). Cell density was significantly higher with 100μM ouabain versus controls (2656 ± 50 vs. 2026 ± 117 cells/mm 2 ), indicating increased cardiac cell proliferation (Fig 1C). Our findings suggest that depolarization promotes CM proliferation and may be a novel approach to encourage growth of engineered cardiac tissue in vitro .

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