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This article discusses the functional properties of high-affinity K+ transporters (HKTs) in plants, specifically TmHKT1;4-A2 from einkorn and OsHKT2;2 from rice. The researchers used cell-free expression and artificial lipid bilayer membranes to study the transporters at the single-protein level. They found that both TmHKT1;4-A2 and OsHKT2;2 displayed channel-like gating mechanisms and unitary conductances, indicating that they can function as coordinated units. This research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of salt tolerance in plants and could contribute to the development of crops with improved salt tolerance. [Extracted from the article]

Proteins of the anoctamine family (ANO) form calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCC) and phospholipid scramblases. The ANO6 (TMEM16F) protein, which combines the functions of a calcium-dependent scramblase and those of an ion channel, is considered as a molecular target for the treatment of blood clotting disorders, COVID-19-associated pneumonia, neurodegenerative diseases, and other pathologies. CaCCinh-A01, which is a channel blocker of the ANO family, is studied as a potential pharmacological drug. Previously, the effect of this inhibitor was studied using methods representing the integral ion current through the membrane, which does not allow the properties of single channels to be distinguished. Therefore, it remains unknown which characteristics of single channels are sensitive to the blocker: the channel open probability, the current amplitude, or the dwelling time of the channel open state. By registration of single ANO6 channels in HEK293 cells, we showed that the action of the inhibitor is due to a decrease in both the current amplitude and the dwelling time of the single ANO6 channels open state, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in their open state probability. Thus, we have characterized the mechanism of current reduction through ANO6 channels by the inhibitor CaCCinh A01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRAAK channels are mechano-gated two-pore-domain K+ channels. Up to now, activity of these channels has been reported in neurons but not in skeletal muscle, yet an archetype of tissue challenged by mechanical stress. Using patch clamp methods on isolated skeletal muscle fibers from adult zebrafish, we show here that single channels sharing properties of TRAAK channels, i.e., selective to K+ ions, of 56 pS unitary conductance in the presence of 5 mM external K+, activated by membrane stretch, heat, arachidonic acid, and internal alkaline pH, are present in enzymatically isolated fast skeletal muscle fibers from adult zebrafish. The kcnk4b transcript encoding for TRAAK channels was cloned and found, concomitantly with activity of mechano-gated K+ channels, to be absent in zebrafish fast skeletal muscles at the larval stage but arising around 1 mo of age. The transfer of the kcnk4b gene in HEK cells and in the adult mouse muscle, that do not express functional TRAAK channels, led to expression and activity of mechano-gated K+ channels displaying properties comparable to native zebrafish TRAAK channels. In whole-cell voltage-clamp and current-clamp conditions, membrane stretch and heat led to activation of macroscopic K+ currents and to acceleration of the repolarization phase of action potentials respectively, suggesting that heat production and membrane deformation associated with skeletal muscle activity can control muscle excitability through TRAAK channel activation. TRAAK channels may represent a teleost-specific evolutionary product contributing to improve swimming performance for escaping predators and capturing prey at a critical stage of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRAAK is a mechanosensitive two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channel localized to nodes of Ranvier in myelinated neurons. TRAAK deletion in mice results in mechanical and thermal allodynia, and gain-of-function mutations cause the human neurodevelopmental disorder FHEIG. TRAAK displays basal and stimulus-gated activities typical of K2Ps, but the mechanistic and structural differences between these modes are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that basal and mechanically gated openings are distinguished by their conductance, kinetics, and structure. Basal openings are low conductance, short duration, and due to a conductive channel conformation with the interior cavity exposed to the surrounding membrane. Mechanically gated openings are high conductance, long duration, and due to a channel conformation in which the interior cavity is sealed to the surrounding membrane. Our results explain how dual modes of activity are produced by a single ion channel and provide a basis for the development of state-selective pharmacology with the potential to treat disease.

Tri-dimensional (3D) cell aggregates or spheroids are considered to be closer to physiological conditions than traditional 2D cell culture. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) assembling in spheroids have increased the survival of transplanted cells. The organization of stem cells in 3D culture affects cell microenvironment and their mechanical properties. The regulation of the biological processes that maintain crucial physiological reactions of MSCs is closely related to the functioning of ion channels. The pattern of expression, role and regulatory mechanisms of ion channels could be significantly different in 3D compared to 2D culture, and, thus, needed to be properly analyzed on the level of ionic currents. Electrophysiological data on the features of ion channels functioning in 3D cell culture models are currently very limited in the literature. This gap of knowledge may be associated with technical difficulties that exist when researchers try to apply the standard patch clamp method for the registration of ion channels in cells aggregated in spheroids. In this regard, our study focuses on solving emerging technical difficulties and presents an example of their successful solution. Here, we developed a specific approach and have recorded the activity of mechanosensitive stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) in endometrial MSCs (eMSCs) assembled in spheroids. Moreover, we observed functional interplay of SACs with potassium channels of big conductance (BK) in the plasma membrane of eMSC spheroids consistently to revealed earlier in routine 2D cultured cells. Additionally, we observed a significant decrease in the frequency of SACs activation in spheroids that may indicate the differences in the level of functional expression of channels in 3D culture comparing to 2D culture of eMSCs. •A specific protocol for patch formation on 3D culture of stem cells was developed. •The activity of native endogenous ion channels in eMSC from spheroids was recorded. •The differences in SACs activity in 3D comparing to 2D eMSCs culture were identified. •A new approach could be applied for the identification of ion channels in 3D cell cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) plays a vital role in mitochondria-mediated transport of ions and metabolites. It is well established that mitochondria are a site for production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Excess production of H2O2 is toxic to the cell and causes oxidative stress. Therefore, the effect of H2O2 on the single-channel conductance of VDAC was investigated. In vitro bilayer electrophysiology experiments were performed on VDAC isolated from rat brain mitochondria, which consists predominately of the isoform VDAC1. VDAC was treated with H2O2 on a planar bilayer membrane (BLM). The conductance of VDAC increased upon H2O2 treatment, whereas the same concentration of H2O2 was unable to affect the BLM (without protein) over a long period of time. Subsequently, the sequential addition of curcumin to H2O2-treated VDAC reduced the conductance. Experimental results (bilayer electrophysiology) demonstrate the role of curcumin in the restoration of the activity of VDAC affected by H2O2. In silico docking studies enables identification of the probable binding site of H2O2 on VDAC. We further find that the oligomerization of VDAC that results in its increased conductance is an effect of lipid oxidation by H2O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-channel analysis previously revealed a key role for a short-lived 'flipped' state during glycine receptor activation by partial agonists. Structures solved by Yu and colleagues now reveal a surprising mechanism involving a partially activated agonist-bound closed state that is too long-lived to be considered the flipped state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell membranes are highly intricate systems comprising numerous lipid species and membrane proteins, where channel proteins, lipid molecules, and lipid bilayers, as continuous elastic fabric, collectively engage in multi-modal interplays. Owing to the complexity of the native cell membrane, studying the elementary processes of channel-membrane interactions necessitates a bottom-up approach starting from forming simplified synthetic membranes. This is the rationale for establishing an in vitro membrane reconstitution system consisting of a lipid bilayer with a defined lipid composition and a channel molecule. Recent technological advancements have facilitated the development of asymmetric membranes, and the contact bubble bilayer (CBB) method allows single-channel current recordings under arbitrary lipid compositions in asymmetric bilayers. Here, we present an experimental protocol for the formation of asymmetric membranes using the CBB method. The KcsA potassium channel is a prototypical model channel with huge structural and functional information and thus serves as a reporter of membrane actions on the embedded channels. We demonstrate specific interactions of anionic lipids in the inner leaflet. Considering that the local lipid composition varies steadily in cell membranes, we `present a novel lipid perfusion technique that allows rapidly changing the lipid composition while monitoring the single-channel behavior. Finally, we demonstrate a leaflet perfusion method for modifying the composition of individual leaflets. These techniques with custom synthetic membranes allow for variable experiments, providing crucial insights into channel-membrane interplay in cell membranes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Cryoelectron microscopy and mutational analyses have shown that type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) amino acid residues RyR1-E3893, -E3967, and -T5001 are critical for Ca2+-mediated activation of skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel. De novo missense mutation RyR1-Q3970K in the secondary binding sphere of Ca2+ was reported in association with central core disease (CCD) in a 2-yr-old boy. Here, we characterized recombinant RyR1-Q3970K mutant by cellular Ca2+ release measurements, single-channel recordings, and computational methods. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ release studies indicated that RyR1-Q3970K formed caffeine-sensitive, Ca2+-conducting channel in HEK293 cells. However, in single-channel recordings, RyR1-Q3970K displayed low Ca2+-dependent channel activity and greatly reduced activation by caffeine or ATP. A RyR1-Q3970E mutant corresponds to missense mutation RyR2-Q3925E associated with arrhythmogenic syndrome in cardiac muscle. RyR1-Q3970E also formed caffeine-induced Ca2+ release in HEK293 cells and exhibited low activity in the presence of the activating ligand Ca2+ but, in contrast to RyR1-Q3970K, was activated by ATP and caffeine in single-channel recordings. Computational analyses suggested distinct structural rearrangements in the secondary binding sphere of Ca2+ of the two mutants, whereas the interaction of Ca2+ with directly interacting RyR1 amino acid residues Glu3893, Glu3967, and Thr5001 was only minimally affected. We conclude that RyR1-Q3970 has a critical role in Ca2+-dependent activation of RyR1 and that a missense RyR1-Q3970K mutant may give rise to myopathy in skeletal muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chlorantraniliprobe (Chlo), a potent insecticide, demolishes intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis of insects by inducing uncontrolled Ca2+ release through ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Chlo is lethal to insects but has low toxicity to mammals. In this study, we investigated the effects of Chlo on RyR1 from mammalian skeletal muscle. Ca2+ release assay indicated that Chlo at high concentrations promoted Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum through RyR1 channels. Single channel recording of purified RyR1 showed that Chlo activated RyR1 channel, increased channel open probability P o , reduced channel mean close time T c , but did not change the channel mean open time T o , suggesting that Chlo destabilized the closed RyR1 channel, rendered the channel easy to open. The dissociation constant K d values of Chlo for RyR1 were of micromolar level, approximately 100-fold larger than that for insect RyR. The K d values were smaller for open states than for closed/blocked states of the RyR1 channel. The maximal binding capacity B max did not change in the presence of either channel activators or inhibitors/blockers. Our results demonstrate that the insecticide Chlo is a weak activator of mammalian RyR1. It can interact with mammalian RyR1 and activate RyR1 channel but with much lower affinity compared with insect RyR; Chlo has a binding site distinct from all known RyR channel modulators and represents a novel type of RyR channel modulator. Our data provide biochemical and pharmacological insights into its high specificity to insect RyR and high selectivity of poisoning to insects over mammals. Highlights • Chlorantraniliprobe is a weak activator of mammalian skeletal RyR1 channel. • Chlorantraniliprobe activates mammalian skeletal RyR1 at high concentrations. • Chlorantraniliprobe has much lower affinity to mammalian RyR1 than insect RyR. • Chlorantraniliprobe has a binding site distinct from all known RyR channel modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion channel proteins play important roles in various cell functions, making them attractive drug targets. Artificial lipid bilayer recording is a technique used to measure the ion transport activities of channel proteins with high sensitivity and accuracy. However, the measurement efficiency is low. In order to improve the efficiency, we developed a method that allows us to form bilayers on a hydrogel bead and record channel currents promptly. We tested our system by measuring the activities of various types of channels, including gramicidin, alamethicin, α-hemolysin, a voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), a voltage- and calcium-activated large conductance potassium channel (BK channel), and a potassium channel from Streptomyces lividans (KcsA channel). We confirmed the ability for enhanced measurement efficiency and measurement system miniaturizion.

Cyclic nucleotide-modulated channels have important roles in visual signal transduction and pacemaking. Binding of cyclic nucleotides (cAMP/cGMP) elicits diverse functional responses in different channels within the family despite their high sequence and structure homology. The molecular mechanisms responsible for ligand discrimination and gating are unknown due to lack of correspondence between structural information and functional states. Using single particle cryo-electron microscopy and single-channel recording, we assigned functional states to high-resolution structures of SthK, a prokaryotic cyclic nucleotide-gated channel. The structures for apo, cAMP-bound, and cGMP-bound SthK in lipid nanodiscs, correspond to no, moderate, and low single-channel activity, respectively, consistent with the observation that all structures are in resting, closed states. The similarity between apo and ligand-bound structures indicates that ligand-binding domains are strongly coupled to pore and SthK gates in an allosteric, concerted fashion. The different orientations of cAMP and cGMP in the ‘resting’ and ‘activated’ structures suggest a mechanism for ligand discrimination.

TRAAK channels are mechano-gated two-pore-domain K + channels. Up to now, activity of these channels has been reported in neurons but not in skeletal muscle, yet an archetype of tissue challenged by mechanical stress. Using patch clamp methods on isolated skeletal muscle fibers from adult zebrafish, we show here that single channels sharing properties of TRAAK channels, i.e., selective to K + ions, of 56 pS unitary conductance in the presence of 5 mM external K + , activated by membrane stretch, heat, arachidonic acid, and internal alkaline pH, are present in enzymatically isolated fast skeletal muscle fibers from adult zebrafish. The kcnk4b transcript encoding for TRAAK channels was cloned and found, concomitantly with activity of mechano-gated K + channels, to be absent in zebrafish fast skeletal muscles at the larval stage but arising around 1 mo of age. The transfer of the kcnk4b gene in HEK cells and in the adult mouse muscle, that do not express functional TRAAK channels, led to expression and activity of mechano-gated K + channels displaying properties comparable to native zebrafish TRAAK channels. In whole-cell voltage-clamp and current-clamp conditions, membrane stretch and heat led to activation of macroscopic K + currents and to acceleration of the repolarization phase of action potentials respectively, suggesting that heat production and membrane deformation associated with skeletal muscle activity can control muscle excitability through TRAAK channel activation. TRAAK channels may represent a teleost-specific evolutionary product contributing to improve swimming performance for escaping predators and capturing prey at a critical stage of development.

N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation is implicated in the malignant progression of many cancer types, as previously shown by the growth-inhibitory effects of NMDAR antagonists. NMDAR-mediated calcium influx and its downstream signalling depend critically, however, on the dynamics of membrane potential and ambient glutamate concentration, which are poorly characterized in cancer cells. Here, we have used low-noise whole-cell patch-clamp recording to investigate the electrophysiology of glutamate signalling in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PanNET) cells derived from a genetically-engineered mouse model (GEMM) of PanNET, in which NMDAR signalling is known to promote cancer progression. Activating NMDARs caused excitation and intracellular calcium elevation, and intracellular perfusion with physiological levels of glutamate led to VGLUT-dependent autocrine NMDAR activation. Necrotic cells, which are often present in rapidly-growing tumours, were shown to release endogenous cytoplasmic glutamate, and necrosis induced by mechanical rupture of the plasma membrane produced intense NMDAR activation in nearby cells. Computational modelling, based on these results, predicts that NMDARs in cancer cells can be strongly activated in the tumour microenvironment by both autocrine glutamate release and necrosis.

The microdomains of Ca2+ in the cytosol around the mouth of open Ca2+ channels are the basic `building blocks' from which cellular Ca2+ signals are constructed. Moreover, the kinetics of local [Ca2+] closely reflect channel gating, so their measurement holds promise as an alternative to electrophysiological patch-clamp recording as a means to study single channel behavior. We have thus explored the development of optical techniques capable of imaging single-channel Ca2+ signals with good spatial and temporal resolution, and describe results obtained using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to monitor Ca2+ influx through single N-type channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Development of therapeutic molecules with clinical efficacy as modulators of defective CFTR includes efforts to identify potentiators that can overcome or repair the gating defect in mutant CFTR channels. This has taken a great leap forward with the identification of the potentiator VX-770, now available to patients as "Kalydeco." Other small molecules with different chemical structure also are capable of potentiating the activity of either wild-type or mutant CFTR, suggesting that there are features of the protein that may be targeted to achieve stimulation of channel activity by structurally diverse compounds. However, neither the mechanisms by which these compounds potentiate mutant CFTR nor the site(s) where these compounds bind have been identified. This knowledge gap partly reflects the lack of appropriate experimental models to provide clues toward the identification of binding sites. Here, we have compared the channel behavior and response to novel and known potentiators of human CFTR (hCFTR) and murine (mCFTR) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Both hCFTR and mCFTR were blocked by GlyH-101 from the extracellular side, but mCFTR activity was increased with GlyH-101 applied directly to the cytoplasmic side. Similarly, glibenclamide only exhibited a blocking effect on hCFTR but both blocked and potentiated mCFTR in excised membrane patches and in intact oocytes. The clinically used CFTR potentiator VX-770 transiently increased hCFTR by ~13% but potentiated mCFTR significantly more strongly. Our results suggest that mCFTR pharmacological sensitivities differ from hCFTR, which will provide a useful tool for identifying the binding sites and mechanism for these potentiators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The KcsA channel is a proton-activated potassium channel. We have previously shown that the cytoplasmic domain (CPD) acts as a pH-sensor, and the charged states of certain negatively charged amino acids in the CPD play an important role in regulating the pH-dependent gating. Here, we demonstrate the KcsA channel is constitutively open independent of pH upon mutating E146 to a neutrally charged amino acid. In addition, we found that rearrangement of the CPD following this mutation was not large. Our results indicate that minimal rearrangement of the CPD, particularly around E146, is sufficient for opening of the KcsA channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ClC-2 is a voltage-dependent chloride channel that activates slowly at voltages negative to the chloride reversal potential. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and other nucleotides have been shown to bind to carboxy-terminal cystathionine-ß-synthase (CBS) domains of ClC-2, but the functional consequences of binding are not sufficiently understood. We here studied the effect of nucleotides on channel gating using single-channel and whole-cell patch clamp recordings on transfected mammalian cells. ATP slowed down macroscopic activation and deactivation time courses in a dose-dependent manner. Removal of the complete carboxy-terminus abolishes the effect of ATP, suggesting that CBS domains are necessary for ATP regulation of ClC-2 gating. Single-channel recordings identified long-lasting closed states of ATP-bound channels as basis of this gating deceleration. ClC-2 channel dimers exhibit two largely independent protopores that are opened and closed individually as well as by a common gating process. A seven-state model of common gating with altered voltage dependencies of opening and closing transitions for ATP-bound states correctly describes the effects of ATP on macroscopic and microscopic ClC-2 currents. To test for a potential pathophysiological impact of ClC-2 regulation by ATP, we studied ClC-2 channels carrying naturally occurring sequence variants found in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, G715E, R577Q, and R653T. All naturally occurring sequence variants accelerate common gating in the presence but not in the absence of ATP. We propose that ClC-2 uses ATP as a co-factor to slow down common gating for sufficient electrical stability of neurons under physiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using rational membrane protein design, we were recently able to obtain a β-barrel protein nanopore that was robust under an unusually broad range of experimental circumstances. This protein nanopore was based upon the native scaffold of the bacterial ferric hydroxamate uptake component A (FhuA) of Escherichia coli. In this work, we expanded the examinations of the open-state current of this engineered protein nanopore, also called FhuA ΔC/Δ4L, employing an array of lipid bilayer systems that contained charged and uncharged as well as conical and cylindrical lipids. Remarkably, systematical single-channel analysis of FhuA ΔC/Δ4L indicated that most of its biophysical features, such as the unitary conductance and the stability of the open-state current, were not altered under the conditions tested in this work. However, electrical recordings at high transmembrane potentials revealed that the presence of conical phospholipids within the bilayer catalyzes the first, stepwise current transition of the FhuA ΔC/Δ4L protein nanopore to a lower-conductance open state. This study reinforces the stability of the open-state current of the engineered FhuA ΔC/Δ4L protein nanopore under various experimental conditions, paving the way for further critical developments in biosensing and molecular biomedical diagnosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in humans. Current atrial fibrillation antiarrhythmic drugs have limited efficacy and carry the risk of ventricular proarrhythmia. GsMTx4, a mechanosensitive channel-selective inhibitor, has been shown to suppress arrhythmias through the inhibition of stretch-activated channels (SACs) in the heart. The cost of synthesizing this peptide is a major obstacle to clinical use. Here, we studied two types of short peptides derived from GsMTx4 for their effects on a stretch-activated big potassium channel (SAKcaC) from the heart. Type I, a 17-residue peptide (referred to as Pept 01), showed comparable efficacy, whereas type II (i.e., Pept 02), a 10-residue peptide, exerted even more potent inhibitory efficacy on SAKcaC compared with GsMTx4. We identified through mutagenesis important sequences required for peptide functions. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations revealed common structural features with a hydrophobic head followed by a positively charged protrusion that may be involved in peptide channel-lipid interactions. Furthermore, we suggest that these short peptides may inhibit SAKcaC through a specific modification to the mechanogate, as the inhibitory effects for both types of peptides were mostly abolished when tested with a mechano-insensitive channel variant (STREX-del) and a nonmechanosensitive big potassium (mouse Slo1) channel. These findings may offer an opportunity for the development of a new class of drugs in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia generated by excitatory SACs in the heart., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest with the contents of this article., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Diazepam modulation of native γ2-containing GABAA (γGABAA) receptors increases channel conductance by facilitating protein interactions involving the γ2-subunit amphipathic (MA) region, which is found in the cytoplasmic loop between transmembrane domains 3 and 4 (). However, many drugs, predicted to act on different GABAA receptor subtypes, increase channel conductance leading us to hypothesize that conductance variation in GABAA receptors may be a general property, mediated by protein interactions involving the cytoplasmic MA stretch of amino acids. In this study we have tested this hypothesis by potentiating extrasynaptic GABAA currents with etomidate and examining the ability of peptides mimicking either the γ2- or δ-subunit MA region to affect conductance. In inside-out hippocampal patches from newborn rats the general anesthetic etomidate potentiated GABA currents, producing either an increase in open probability and single-channel conductance or an increase in open probability, as described previously (). In patches displaying high conductance channels application of a δ(392–422) MA peptide, but not a scrambled version or the equivalent γ2(381–403) MA peptide, reduced the potentiating effects of etomidate, significantly reducing single-channel conductance. In contrast, when GABA currents were potentiated by the γ2-specific drug diazepam the δ MA peptide had no effect. These data reveal that diazepam and etomidate potentiate different extrasynaptic GABAA receptor subtypes but both drugs modulate conductance similarly. One interpretation of the data is that these drugs elicit potentiation through protein interactions and that the MA peptides compete with these interactions to disrupt this process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite substantial efforts, the entire cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein proved to be difficult for structural analysis at high resolution, and little is still known about the actual dimensions of the anion-transporting pathway of CFTR channel. In the present study, we therefore gauged geometrical features of the CFTR Cl channel pore by a nonelectrolyte exclusion technique. Polyethylene glycols with a hydrodynamic radius ( R) smaller than 0.95 nm (PEG 300-1,000) added from the intracellular side greatly suppressed the inward unitary anionic conductance, whereas only molecules with R ≤ 0.62 nm (PEG 200-400) applied extracellularly were able to affect the outward unitary anionic currents. Larger molecules with R = 1.16-1.84 nm (PEG 1,540-3,400) added from either side were completely excluded from the pore and had no significant effect on the single-channel conductance. The cut-off radius of the inner entrance of CFTR channel pore was assessed to be 1.19 ± 0.02 nm. The outer entrance was narrower with its cut-off radius of 0.70 ± 0.16 nm and was dilated to 0.93 ± 0.23 nm when a non-hydrolyzable ATP analog, 5′-adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), was added to the intracellular solution. Thus, it is concluded that the structure of CFTR channel pore is highly asymmetric with a narrower extracellular entrance and that a dilating conformational change of the extracellular entrance is associated with the channel transition to a non-hydrolytic, locked-open state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are generally recognized for their role in phase II detoxification reactions. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that members of the GST family also have a diverse range of other functions that are, in general, unrelated to detoxification. One such action is a specific inhibition of the cardiac isoform of the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) intracellular Ca2++ release channel. In this review, we compare functional and physical interactions between members of the GST family, including GSTO1-1, GSTA1-1, and GSTM2-2, with RyR2 and with the skeletal isoform of the ryanodine receptor (RyR1). The active part of the muscle-specific GSTM2-2 is localized to its nonenzymatic C-terminal αα-helical bundle, centered around αα-helix 6. The GSTM2-2 binding site is in divergent region 3 (DR3 region) of RyR2. The sequence differences between the DR3 regions of RyR1 and RyR2 explain the specificity of the GSTs for one isoform of the protein. GSTM2-2 is one of the few known endogenous inhibitors of the cardiac RyR and is likely to be important in maintaining low RyR2 activity during diastole. We discuss interactions between a nonenzymatic member of the GST structural family, the CLIC-2 (type 2 horide ntracellular hannel) protein, which inhibits both RyR1 and RyR2. The possibility that the GST and CLIC2 proteins bind to different sites on the RyR, and that different structures within the GST and CLIC proteins bind to RyR channels, is discussed. We conclude that the C-terminal part of GSTM2-2 may provide the basis of a therapeutic compound for use in cardiac disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously characterized the "RCA" channel (root Ca²+ channel), a voltage-dependent, Ca²+-permeable channel found in plasma membrane-enriched vesicles from wheat roots incorporated into artificial planar lipid bilayers. Earlier work indicated that this channel was insensitive to 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs, such as nifedipine and 202-791). However, the present study shows that this channel is sensitive to DHPs, but only with submillimolar Ca²+, when the probability of channel opening is reduced, with flickery closures becoming increasingly evident as Ca²+ activity decreases. Under these ionic conditions, addition of nanomolar concentrations of (+) 202-791 or nifedipine caused an increase in both the probability of channel opening and the unitary conductance. It is proposed that there is a competitive interaction between Ca²+ and DHPs at one of the Ca²+-binding sites involved in Ca²+ permeation and that binding of a DHP to one of the Ca²+-permeation sites facilitates movement of other calcium ions through the channel. The present study shows that higher plant Ca²+-permeable channels can be greatly affected by very low concentrations of DHPs and that channel sensitivity may vary with the ionic conditions of the experiment. The results also indicate interesting structural and functional differences between plant and animal Ca²+-permeable channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanopore stochastic sensor works by monitoring the ionic current modulations induced by the passage of analytes of interest through a single pore, which can be obtained from a biological ion channel by self-assembly or artificially fabricated in a solid-state membrane. In this minireview, we overview the use of biological nanopores and artificial nanopores for the detection of terrorist agents including explosives, organophosphorus nerve agents, nitrogen mustards, organoarsenic compounds, toxins, and viruses. We also discuss the current challenge in the development of deployable nanopore sensors for real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nav1.6 is the major voltage-gated sodium channel at nodes of Ranvier. This channel has been shown to produce a robust persistent inward current in whole-cell experiments. Nav1.6 plays an important role in axonal conduction and may significantly contribute to the pathophysiology of the injured nervous system through this persistent current. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and regulation of the persistent current are not well understood. Using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique, we investigated the Nav1.6 transient and persistent currents in HEK-293. Previous studies have shown that the persistent current depended on the content of the patch electrode. Therefore, we characterised the single-channel properties of the persistent current with an intact intracellular medium using the cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique. In HEK-293 cells, the Nav1.6 persistent current recorded in the whole-cell configuration was 3–5% of the peak transient current. In single-channel recording, the ratio between peak and persistent open probability confirmed the magnitude of the persistent current observed in the whole-cell configuration. The cell-attached configuration revealed that the molecular mechanism of the whole-cell persistent current is a consequence of single Nav1.6 channels reopening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In blood cells, changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are associated with multiple cellular events, including activation of cellular kinases and phosphatases, degranulation, regulation of cytoskeleton binding proteins, transcriptional control, and modulation of surface receptors. Although there is no doubt as to the significance of Ca2+ signaling in blood cells, there is sparse knowledge about the molecular identities of the plasmalemmal Ca2+ permeable channels that control Ca2+ fluxes across the plasma membrane and mediate changes in [Ca2+]i in blood cells. Using RNA expression analysis, we have shown that human leukemia K562 cells endogenously coexpress transient receptor potential vanilloid channels type 5 (TRPV5) and type 6 (TRPV6) mRNAs. Moreover, we demonstrated that TRPV5 and TRPV6 channel proteins are present in both the total lysates and the crude membrane preparations from leukemia cells. Immunoprecipitation revealed that a physical interaction between TRPV5 and TRPV6 may take place. Single-channel patch-clamp experiments demonstrated the presence of inwardly rectifying monovalent currents that displayed kinetic characteristics of unitary TRPV5 and/or TRPV6 currents and were blocked by extracellular Ca2+ and ruthenium red. Taken together, our data strongly indicate that human myeloid leukemia cells coexpress functional TRPV5 and TRPV6 calcium channels that may interact with each other and contribute into intracellular Ca2+ signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) play an important role in lung sodium transport. Sodium transport is closely regulated to maintain an appropriate fluid layer on the alveolar surface. Both alveolar type I and II cells have several different sodium-permeable channels in their apical membranes that play a role in normal lung physiology and pathophysiology. In many epithelial tissues, ENaC is formed from three subunit proteins: α, β, and γ ENaC. Part of the diversity of sodium-permeable channels in lung arises from assembling different combinations of these subunits to form channels with different biophysical properties and different mechanisms for regulation. Thus, lung epithelium has enormous flexibility to alter the magnitude of salt and water transport. In lung, ENaC is regulated by many transmitter and hormonal agents. Regulation depends upon the type of sodium channel but involves controlling the number of apical channels and/or the activity of individual channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bicyclic fatty acid lubiprostone (formerly known as SPI-0211) activates two types of anion channels in A6 cells. Both channel types are rarely, if ever, observed in untreated cells. The first channel type was activated at low concentrations of lubiprostone (<100 nM) in >80% of cell-attached patches and had a unit conductance of ~3-4 pS. The second channel type required higher concentrations (>100 nM) of lubiprostone to activate, was observed in ~30% of patches, and had a unit conductance of 8-9 pS. The properties of the first type of channel were consistent with ClC-2 and the second with CFTR. ClC-2's unit current strongly inwardly rectified that could be best fit by models of the channel with multiple energy barrier and multiple anion binding sites in the conductance pore. The open probability and mean open time of ClC-2 was voltage dependent, decreasing dramatically as the patches were depolarized. The order of anion selectivity for ClC-2 was Cl > Br> NO3 > I> SCN, where SCN is thiocyanate. ClC-2 was a "double-barreled" channel favoring even numbers of levels over odd numbers as if the channel protein had two conductance pathways that opened independently of one another. The channel could be, at least, partially blocked by glibenclamide. The properties of the channel in A6 cells were indistinguishable from ClC-2 channels stably transfected in HEK293 cells. CFTR in the patches had a selectivity of Cl > Br ⪢ NO3 ≅ SCN ≅ I. it outwardly rectified as expected for a single-site anion channel. Because of its properties, ClC-2 is uniquely suitable to promote anion secretion with little anion reabsorption. CFTR, on the other hand, could promote either reabsorption or secretion depending on the anion driving forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethanol-induced damage in the developing hippocampus may result in cognitive deficits such as those observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Cognitive deficits in FASD are partially mediated by alterations in glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Recently, we reported that synaptic transmission mediated by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) is impaired following fetal ethanol exposure. This finding led us to develop a rational approach for the treatment of alcohol-related cognitive deficits using aniracetam, an allosteric AMPAR modulator. In the present study, 28 to 34-day-old rats exposed to ethanol in utero were treated with aniracetam, and subsequently exhibited persistent improvement in mEPSC amplitude, frequency, and decay time. Furthermore, these animals expressed positive changes in synaptic single channel properties, suggesting that aniracetam ameliorates prenatal ethanol-induced deficits through modifications at the single channel level. Specifically, single channel open probability, conductance, mean open and closed times, and the number and burst duration were positively affected. Our findings emphasize the utility of compounds which slow the rate of deactivation and desensitization of AMPARs such as aniracetam. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we present evidence for the mechanism of neomycin inhibition of skeletal ryanodine receptors (RyRs). In single-channel recordings, neomycin produced monophasic inhibition of RyR open probability and biphasic inhibition of [3H]ryanodine binding. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for channel blockade by neomycin was dependent on membrane potential and cytoplasmic [Ca2+], suggesting that neomycin acts both as a pore plug and as a competitive antagonist at a cytoplasmic Ca2+ binding site that causes allosteric inhibition. This novel Ca2+/neomycin binding site had a neomycin affinity of 100 n m and a Ca2+ affinity of 35 n m, which is 30-fold higher than that of the well-described cytoplasmic Ca2+ activation site. Therefore, a new high-affinity class of Ca2+ binding site(s) on the RyR exists that mediates neomycin inhibition. Neomycin plugging of the channel pore induced brief (1-2 ms) conductance substates at 30% of the fully open conductance, whereas allosteric inhibition caused complete channel closure with durations that depended on the neomycin concentration. We quantitatively account for these results using a dual inhibition model for neomycin that incorporates voltage-dependent pore plugging and Ca2+-dependent allosteric inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biophysical characteristics and the pore formation dynamics of synthetic or naturally occurring peptides forming membrane-spanning channels were investigated by using isolated photoreceptor rod outer segments (OS) recorded in whole-cell configuration. Once blocking the two OS endogenous conductances (the cGMP channels by light and the Na+:Ca2+,K+ exchanger by removing one of the transported ion species from both sides of the membrane, i.e. K+, Na+ or Ca2+), the OS membrane resistance ( R m ) was typically larger than 1 GΩ in the presence of 1 mM external Ca2+. Therefore, any exogenous current could be studied down to the single channel level. The peptides were applied to (and removed from) the extracellular OS side in ∼50 ms with a computer-controlled microperfusion system, in which every perfusion parameter, as the rate of solution flow, the temporal sequence of solution changes or the number of automatic, self-washing cycles were controlled by a user-friendly interface. This technique was then used to determine the biophysical properties and the pore formation dynamics of antibiotic peptaibols, as the native alamethicin mixture, the synthesized major component of the neutral fraction (F50/5) of alamethicin, and the synthetic trichogin GA IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand how renal Na+ reabsorption is altered by heavy metal poisoning, we examined the effects of several divalent heavy metal ions (Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+) on the activity of single epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) in a renal epithelial cell line (A6). None of the cations changed the single-channel conductance. However, ENaC activity [measured as the number of channels (N) X open probability (Po)] was decreased by Cd2+ and Hg2+ and increased by Cu2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ but was not changed by Pb2+. Of the cations that induced an increase in Na+ channel function, Zn2+ increased N, Ni2+ increased Po, and Cu2+ increased both. The cysteine modification reagent [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]methanethiosulfonate bromide also increased N, whereas diethylpyrocarbonate, which covalently modifies histidine residues, affected neither Po nor N. Cu2+ increased N and stimulated Po by reducing Na+ self-inhibition. Furthermore, we observed that ENaC activity is slightly voltage dependent and that the voltage dependence of ENaC is insensitive to extracellular Na+ concentration; however, apical application of Ni2+ or diethylpyrocarbonate reduced the channel voltage dependence. Thus the voltage sensor of Xenopus ENaC is different from that of typical voltage- gated channels, since voltage appears to be sensed by histidine residues in the extracellular loops of ENaC, rather than by charged amino acids in a transmembrane domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels are composed of pore-forming α-subunits and auxiliary β-subunits. The α-subunits are widely expressed in many cell types, whereas the β-subunits are more tissue specific and influence diverse aspects of channel function. In the current study, we identified the presence of the smooth muscle-specific β1-subunit in murine colonic tissue using Western blotting. The native β1-subunits migrated in SDS-PAGE as two molecular mass bands. Enzymatic removal of N-linked glycosylations from the β1-subunit resulted in a single band that migrated at a lower molecular mass than the native β1-subunit bands, suggesting that the native β1-subunit exists in either a core glycosylated or highly glycosylated form. We investigated the functional consequence of deglycosylating the β1-subunit during inside-out single-channel recordings. During inside-out single-channel recordings, with N-glycosidase F in the pipette solution, the open probability (Po) and mean open time of BK channels increased in a time-dependent manner. Deglycosylation of BK channels did not affect the conductance but shifted the steady-state voltage of activation toward more positive potentials without affecting slope when Ca2+ concentration was <1 µM. Treatment of myocytes lacking the β1-subunits of the BK channel with N-glycosidase F had no effect. These data suggest that glycosylations on the β2-subunit in smooth muscle cells can modify the biophysical properties of BK channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active Na+ reabsorption by alveolar epithelial cells generates the driving force used to clear fluids from the air space. Using single-channel methods, we examined epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) activity of alveolar type I (AT1) cells from live 250- to 300-µm sections of lung tissue, circumventing concerns that protracted cell isolation procedures might compromise the innate transport properties of native lung cells. We used fluorescein-labeled Erythrina crystagalli lectin to positively identify AT1 cells for single-channel patch-clamp analysis. We demonstrated, for the first time, single-channel recordings of highly selective and nonselective amiloride-sensitive ENaC channels (HSC and NSC, respectively) from AT1 cells in situ, with mean conductances of 8.2 ± 2.5 and 22 ± 3.2 pS, respectively. Additionally, 25 nM amiloride in the patch electrode blocked Na+ channel activity in AT1 cells. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the presence of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors on the surface of ATI cells, and single-channel recordings showed that 10 µM dopamine increased Na+ channel activity [product of the number of channels and single-channel open probability (NPo)] from 0.31 ± 0.19 to 0.60 ± 0.21 (P < 0.001). The D1 receptor antagonist SCH-23390 (10 µM) blocked the stimulatory effect of dopamine on ATI cells, but the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of intracellular pH and calcium on the activity of the leech mechanosensitive cation channels have been studied. These channels exhibited two activity modes denoted as spike-like (SL) and multiconductance (MC). In the absence of mechanical stimulation, acidification of the intracellular side of membrane patches from 7.2 to 6.2 reversibly increased the mean channel open time as well as the opening frequency in the SL mode. Channels in MC mode were activated by a pHi reduction from 7.2 to 6.2, but were inhibited at pHi 5.5. Unlike MC mode, SL mode was strongly activated by intracellular Ca2+. Fura-2 imaging experiments showed that intracellular calcium was induced to increase by hypotonic cell swelling. The major component of this response did not require extracellular calcium. A component of the swelling-induced calcium response was sensitive to blockers of stretch-sensitive cation channels. The results indicate that the two activity modes of mechanosensitive channels of leech neurons respond differently to changes of intracellular pH and calcium. The sensitivity of the channel to micromolar concentrations of internal free calcium, along with its permeability to this ion, is consistent with a role in the amplification of mechanically induced Ca2+ signals in leech neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The periodontal ligament (PDL) works as a suspensory ligament when external mechanical stress is placed on the teeth. PDL fibroblasts, the principal cells in the PDL, are responsible for many PDL functions. We hypothesized that mechanosensitive ion channels are present in human PDL fibroblasts, which are capable of responding to mechanical stress during normal function of the tissue. Using patch-clamp techniques, we detected mechanosensitive TREK-1 K+ channels (a member of the two-pore-domain K+ channel family), whose single-channel conductance was 104 pS in symmetrical K+-rich solutions. The open probability of the channel was low in the quiescent state, but it was strongly increased by the induction of membrane stretch. Arachidonic acid also enhanced the channel activity. RT-PCR and immunocytochemical observations showed the expression of TREK-1 K+ channels in PDL fibroblasts. The results suggest that the activation of TREK-1 K+ channels by masticatory stress contributes to the hyperpolarization of PDL fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Single-channel recordings were used to study the modulation of stretch-activated channels (SACs) by intracellular adenosine nucleotides in identified leech neurons. These channels exhibited two activity modes, spike-like (SL) and multiconductance (MC), displaying different polymodal activation. In the absence of mechanical stimulation, internal perfusion of excised patches with ATP induced robust and reversible activation of the MC but not of the SL mode. The ATP effect on channel activity was dose-dependent within a range of 1 μM–1 mM and was induced at different values of intracellular pH and Ca2+. The non-hydrolyzable ATP analog AMP-PNP, ATP without Mg2+ or ADP also effectively enhanced MC activity. Adenosine mimicked the effect of its nucleotides. At negative membrane potentials, both ATP and adenosine activated the channel. Moreover, ATP but not adenosine induced a flickering block. Addition of cAMP during maximal ATP activation completely and reversibly inhibited the channel, with activation and deactivation times of minutes. However, cAMP alone only induced a weak and rapid channel activation, without inhibitory effects. The expression of these channels in the growth cones of leech neurons, their permeability to Ca2+ and their sensitivity to intracellular cAMP are consistent with a role in the Ca2+ oscillations associated with cell growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Arecaidine propargyl ester (APE) was developed as a potential candidate compound for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. APE has been shown to have cardiovascular effects. APE produces negative chronotropic and inotropic effects in isolated atria. However, the ionic mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects of APE in guinea-pig atria are unclear. The aims of this study were: (1) to examine the shortening effect of APE on action potential duration (APD) and to compare the difference in potency between APE and muscarine in isolated single guinea-pig atrial myocytes by using the current clamp method, (2) to examine by using patch clamp techniques the ionic mechanisms underlying the cardiac effects of APE, and (3) to determine whether the cardiac effects caused by APE affect the usefulness of APE as a potential candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The APE significantly reduced the APD in guinea-pig atria and produced no direct effect on ventricular myocytes. APE is approximately 20 times as potent as muscarine in shortening the APD. Attenuation of the APD was consistently accompanied by a hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential in a concentration-dependent manner. The APE activated muscarinic K+ channels and increased potassium conductance in guinea-pig atrial myocytes. In the cell-attached configuration, the APE contained in the pipette increased the channel-opening probability and decreased the closed-state time interval. The proposal that APE can be used as a potential remedy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease should be taken into consideration the undesirable cardiovascular side effects that APE causes at lower concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many proposals have been made regarding the development of biosensors using single-channel recording with an artificial planar bilayer. The fragile nature of bilayer membranes is the major difficulty for the application of the artificial bilayer technique to the development of biosensors. We have developed an apparatus that promptly forms artificial bilayers. This technique is more efficient than other techniques for forming artificial bilayers. Bilayer membranes could be formed within 10s requiring 1μl of analyte solution to record single-channel currents using our apparatus. A bilayer was formed by pressing the membrane on an agarose layer with hydraulic pressure. With this novel apparatus, we have recorded single-channel currents of various types of channels such as the BK-channel, the nicotinic receptor channel and the ryanodine receptor channel. The properties of the channels determined with this novel technique agreed well with those determined with conventional techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Artificial nanopores have recently emerged as versatile tools for analyzing and sorting single molecules at high speed. However, the biological cell has already developed a large set of sophisticated protein nanopores that are able to selectively translocate all types of molecules through membranes. Therefore, hybrid devices combining artificial solid-state with biomimetic protein nanopores appear to us as a particularly promising approach to the creation of powerful diagnostic, preparative and therapeutic devices. Here, we discuss a technique, optical single-transporter recording (OSTR), in which arrays of artificial micropores and nanopores are employed to analyze protein nanopores of cellular membranes. After briefly summarizing some salient features of OSTR, the technique is compared with the electrical patch clamp method and the first results of our efforts to amalgamate optical and electrical recording are described. Finally, prospects for combining OSTR with 4Pi microscopy, single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]