1. Human myoblast fusion requires expression of functional inward rectifier Kir2.1 channels.
- Author
-
Fischer-Lougheed J, Liu JH, Espinos E, Mordasini D, Bader CR, Belin D, and Bernheim L
- Subjects
- Antisense Elements (Genetics), Child, Child, Preschool, Humans, In Vitro Techniques, Infant, Membrane Fusion physiology, Membrane Potentials physiology, Muscle, Skeletal physiology, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Potassium metabolism, Ribonucleases, Muscle Fibers, Skeletal cytology, Muscle, Skeletal cytology, Potassium Channels genetics, Potassium Channels metabolism, Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
- Abstract
Myoblast fusion is essential to skeletal muscle development and repair. We have demonstrated previously that human myoblasts hyperpolarize, before fusion, through the sequential expression of two K+ channels: an ether-à-go-go and an inward rectifier. This hyperpolarization is a prerequisite for fusion, as it sets the resting membrane potential in a range at which Ca2+ can enter myoblasts and thereby trigger fusion via a window current through alpha1H T channels.
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF