Biomedical subjects

Thomas V McDonald

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas V McDonald.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Voltage-gated potassium channels: regulation by accessory subunits.

Voltage-gated potassium channels regulate cell membrane potential and excitability in neurons and other cell types. A precise control of neuronal action potential patterns underlies the basic functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system. This control relies on the adaptability of potassium channel activities. The functional diversity of potassium currents, however, far exceeds the considerable molecular diversity of this class of genes. Potassium current diversity contributes to the specificity of neuronal firing patterns and may be achieved by regulated transcription, RNA splicing, and posttranslational modifications. Another mechanism for regulation of potassium channel activity is through association with interacting proteins and accessory subunits. Here the authors highlight recent work that addresses this growing area of exploration and discuss areas of future investigation.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2005

Functional characterization of a putative aquaporin from Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a microsporidia pathogenic to humans.

The microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasitic protists that have been implicated as both human and veterinary pathogens. The infectious process of these organisms is believed to be dependent upon the rapid influx of water into spores, presumably via aquaporins (AQPs), transmembrane channels that facilitate osmosis. An AQP-like sequence of the microsporidium Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EcAQP), when cloned and expressed in oocytes of Xenopus laevis, rendered these oocytes highly permeable to water. No permeability to the solutes glycerol or urea was observed. Pre-treatment of EcAQP-expressing oocytes with HgCl(2) failed to inhibit their osmotic permeability, as predicted from EcAQP's lack of mercury-sensitive cysteine residues near the NPA motifs which line the AQP aqueous pore. EcAQP exhibits sequence identity to AQP A of Dictyostelium discoideum (26%) and human AQP 2 (24%). Further study of AQPs in microsporidia and their potential inhibitors may yield novel therapeutic agents for microsporidian infections.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Pharmacological rescue of synaptic plasticity, courtship behavior, and mushroom body defects in a Drosophila model of fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome is a leading heritable cause of mental retardation that results from the loss of FMR1 gene function. A Drosophila model for Fragile X syndrome, based on the loss of dfmr1 activity, exhibits phenotypes that bear similarity to Fragile X-related symptoms. Herein, we demonstrate that treatment with metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists or lithium can rescue courtship and mushroom body defects observed in these flies. Furthermore, we demonstrate that dfmr1 mutants display cognitive deficits in experience-dependent modification of courtship behavior, and treatment with mGluR antagonists or lithium restores these memory defects. These findings implicate enhanced mGluR signaling as the underlying cause of the cognitive, as well as some of the behavioral and neuronal, phenotypes observed in the Drosophila Fragile X model. They also raise the possibility that compounds having similar effects on metabotropic glutamate receptors may ameliorate cognitive and behavioral defects observed in Fragile X patients.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Dynamic control of hERG/I(Kr) by PKA-mediated interactions with 14-3-3.

IKs has been considered the potassium current most responsible for adrenergic/cAMP-mediated changes in cardiac repolarization during stress. Increasing biochemical, electrophysiological and genetic evidence however, points to a role for hERG/IKr in beta-adrenergic responses. Elevations of cAMP as seen in beta-adrenergic stimulation can result in PKA-dependent phosphorylation of hERG and direct binding of cAMP to the channel protein. Generally, there is a suppression of current density due to the channel phosphorylation. We recently identified a novel protein-protein interaction between hERG and the adaptor protein 14-3-3epsilon. Interaction sites exist on both N- and C-termini of hERG and the interaction is dynamic, requiring phosphorylation of the channel by PKA. When both sites bind to 14-3-3 proteins there is an acceleration and augmentation of current activation in contrast to the depression of current with phosphorylation alone. When sufficient 14-3-3 is available the phosphorylation state of the channel is stabilized and prolonged. Thus, 14-3-3 interactions with hERG provide a unique mechanism for plasticity in the autonomic control of stress-dependent regulation of cardiac membrane excitability. Here, we summarize our findings and report on our further efforts to analyse interactions between the native channel protein and 14-3-3 in cardiac myocytes.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

PubMed2004

Molecular analysis of PIP2 regulation of HERG and IKr.

We previously reported that cloned human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) K+ channels are regulated by changes in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) concentration. Here we investigated the molecular determinants of PIP2 interactions with HERG channel protein. To establish the molecular nature of the PIP2-HERG interaction, we examined a segment of the HERG COOH terminus with a high concentration of positively charged amino acids (nos. 883-894) as a possible site of interaction with negatively charged PIP2. When we excised deletion-HERG (D-HERG) or mutated methionine-substituted-HERG (M-HERG) this segment of HERG to neutralize the amino acid charge, the mutant channels produced current that was indistinguishable from wild-type HERG. Elevating internal PIP2, however, no longer accelerated the activation kinetics of the mutant HERG. Moreover, PIP2-dependent hyperpolarizing shifts in the voltage dependence of activation were abolished with both mutants. PIP2 effects on channel-inactivation kinetics remained intact, which suggests an uncoupling of inactivation and activation regulation by PIP2. The specific binding of radiolabeled PIP2 to both mutant channel proteins was nearly abolished. Stimulation of alpha1A-adrenergic receptors produced a reduction in current amplitude of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (the current carried by ERG protein) from rabbit ventricular myocytes. The alpha-adrenergic-induced current reduction was accentuated by PKC blockers and also unmasked a depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation, which supports the conclusion that receptor activation of PLC results in PIP2 consumption that alters channel activity. These results support a physiological role for PIP2 regulation of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current during autonomic stimulation and localize a site of interaction to the COOH-terminal tail of the HERG K+ channel.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

KCNE1 binds to the KCNQ1 pore to regulate potassium channel activity.

Potassium channels control the resting membrane potential and excitability of biological tissues. Many voltage-gated potassium channels are controlled through interactions with accessory subunits of the KCNE family through mechanisms still not known. Gating of mammalian channel KCNQ1 is dramatically regulated by KCNE subunits. We have found that multiple segments of the channel pore structure bind to the accessory protein KCNE1. The sites that confer KCNE1 binding are necessary for the functional interaction, and all sites must be present in the channel together for proper regulation by the accessory subunit. Specific gating control is localized to a single site of interaction between the ion channel and accessory subunit. Thus, direct physical interaction with the ion channel pore is the basis of KCNE1 regulation of K+ channels.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

An LQT mutant minK alters KvLQT1 trafficking.

Cardiac I(Ks), the slowly activated delayed-rectifier K(+) current, is produced by the protein complex composed of alpha- and beta-subunits: KvLQT1 and minK. Mutations of genes encoding KvLQT1 and minK are responsible for the hereditary long QT syndrome (loci LQT1 and LQT5, respectively). MinK-L51H fails to traffic to the cell surface, thereby failing to produce effective I(Ks). We examined the effects that minK-L51H and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeted minK (minK-ER) exerted over the electrophysiology and biosynthesis of coexpressed KvLQT1. Both minK-L51H and minK-ER were sequestered primarily in the ER as confirmed by lack of plasma membrane expression. Glycosylation and immunofluorescence patterns of minK-L51H were qualitatively different for minK-ER, suggesting differences in trafficking. Cotransfection with the minK mutants resulted in reduced surface expression of KvLQT1 as assayed by whole cell voltage clamp and immunofluorescence. MinK-L51H reduced current amplitude by 91% compared with wild-type (WT) minK/KvLQT1, and the residual current was identical to KvLQT1 without minK. The phenotype of minK-L51H on I(Ks) was not dominant because coexpressed WT minK rescued the current and surface expression. Collectively, our data suggest that ER quality control prevents minK-L51H/KvLQT1 complexes from trafficking to the plasma membrane, resulting in decreased I(Ks). This is the first demonstration that a minK LQT mutation is capable of conferring trafficking defects onto its associated alpha-subunit.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

S641 contributes HERG K+ channel inactivation.

The kinetics of voltage-dependent inactivation of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier, IKr, are unique among K+ channels. The human ether-a-gogo-related gene (HERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of IKr and shares a high degree of homology with ether-a-gogo (EAG) channels that do not inactivate. Within those segments thought to contribute to the channel pore, HERG possesses several serine residues that are not present in EAG channels. Two of these serines, S620 and S631, are known to be required for inactivation. We now show that a third serine, S641, which resides in the outer portion of the sixth transmembrane segment, is also critical for normal inactivation. As with the other serines, S641 is also involved in maintaining ion selectivity of the HERG channel and alters sensitivity to block by E4031. Larger charged or polar substitutions (S641D and S641T) disrupted C-type inactivation in HERG. Smaller aliphatic and more conservative substitutions (S641A and S641C) facilitated C-type inactivation. Our data show that, like S620 and S631, S641 is another key residue for the rapid inactivation. The altered inactivation of mutations at S620, S631, and S641 were dominant, suggesting that a network of hydroxyl side chains is required for the unique inactivation, permeation, and rectification of HERG channels.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

CaT1 contributes to the stores-operated calcium current in Jurkat T-lymphocytes.

T-lymphocyte activation requires sustained Ca(2+) signaling dependent upon capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE). The protein(s) that forms the stores-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOCC) responsible for CCE has long been sought but has not been definitively identified. Members of the TRPV family (transient receptor potential superfamily-vanilloid receptor subfamily) of channel genes have been proposed to encode SOCCs responsible for CCE in non-excitable cells. Here we present evidence that a member of the TRPV group, CaT1, is involved in generating I(CRAC), the CCE current that is necessary for T-cell activation. CaT1 is expressed in Jurkat T-lymphocytes. When overexpressed in Jurkat cells, CaT1 produces a Ca(2+) entry current that mimics the endogenous I(CRAC) in its dependence on external Ca(2+), inactivation by elevated concentration of internal Ca(2+), and pharmacological block by capsaicin. Overexpressed CaT1 is partially regulated by the release of internal Ca(2+) stores via thapsigargin or receptor-mediated generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. A pore-region mutant of CaT1, TRIA-CaT1, fails to carry Ca(2+) currents and associates with co-expressed wild type CaT1 to functionally suppress permeation of Ca(2+) ions. Expression of the TRIA-CaT1 mutant in Jurkat cells results in suppression of the endogenous I(CRAC). Taken together these results indicate that CaT1 is the channel protein that contributes to T-lymphocyte SOCCs either alone or as a subunit in a heterogeneous channel complex.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

A single transmembrane site in the KCNE-encoded proteins controls the specificity of KvLQT1 channel gating.

KCNEs are a family of genes encoding small integral membrane proteins whose role in governing voltage-gated potassium channel gating is emerging. Whether each member of this homologous family interacts with channel proteins in the same manner is unknown; however, it is clear that the functional effect of each KCNE on channel gating is different. The specificity of KCNE1 (minK) and KCNE3 control of activation of the potassium channel KvLQT1 maps to a triplet of amino acids within the KCNE transmembrane domain by chimera analysis. We now define the structural determinants of functional specificity within this triplet. The central amino acid of the triplet (Thr-58 of minK and Val-72 of KCNE3) is essential for the specific control of voltage-dependent channel activation characteristics of both minK and KCNE3. Using site-directed mutations that substitute minK and KCNE3 residues, we determined that a hydroxylated central amino acid is necessary for the slow sigmoidal activation produced by minK. The precise spacing of the hydroxyl group was required for minK-like activation. An aliphatic amino acid substituted at position 58 of minK is capable of reproducing KCNE3-like kinetics and voltage-independent constitutive current activation. The bulk of the central residue is another critical parameter, indicating precise positioning of this portion of the KCNE proteins within the channel complex. An intermediate phenotype produced by several smaller aliphatic-substituted mutants yields conditional voltage independence that is distinct from the voltage-dependent gating process, suggesting that KCNE3 traps the channel in a stable open state. From these results, we propose a model of KCNE-potassium channel interaction where the functional consequence depends on the precise contact at a single amino acid.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Microarray analysis of global changes in gene expression during cardiac myocyte differentiation.

Significant progress has been made in defining pathways that mediate the formation of the mammalian heart. Little is known, however, about the genetic program that directs the differentiation of cardiac myocytes from their precursor cells. A major hindrance to this kind of investigation has been the absence of an appropriate cell culture model of cardiac myocyte differentiation. Recently, a subline of P19 cells (P19CL6) was derived that, following dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment, differentiate efficiently over 10 days into spontaneously beating cardiac myocytes. We demonstrate that these cells are indeed cardiac myocytes as they express cell type-specific markers and exhibit electrophysiological properties indicative of cardiac myocytes. The requirement for DMSO stimulation in this paradigm was shown to be limited to the first 4 days, suggesting that critical events in the differentiation process occur over this interval. To uncover relationships among known genes and identify novel genes that mediate cardiac myocyte differentiation, a detailed time course of changes in global gene expression was carried out using cDNA microarrays. In addition to the activation of genes encoding cardiac transcription factors and structural proteins, increases were noted in the expression of multiple known genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Analysis of the former suggested the involvement of a variety of signaling pathways in cardiac myocyte differentiation. The 16 ESTs whose expression was increased during the early, stimulus-dependent phase of cardiac myocyte differentiation may be novel regulators of this process. Thus this first report of large-scale changes in gene expression during cardiac myocyte differentiation has delineated relationships among the expression patterns of known genes and identified a number of novel genes that merit further study.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

14-3-3 amplifies and prolongs adrenergic stimulation of HERG K+ channel activity.

Acute stress provokes lethal cardiac arrhythmias in the hereditary long QT syndrome. Here we provide a novel molecular mechanism linking beta-adrenergic signaling and altered human ether-a-go-go related gene (HERG) channel activity. Stress stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to cAMP elevations that can regulate HERG K+ channels both directly and via phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). We show that HERG associates with 14-3-3epsilon to potentiate cAMP/PKA effects upon HERG. The binding of 14-3-3 occurs simultaneously at the N- and C-termini of the HERG channel. 14-3-3 accelerates and enhances HERG activation, an effect that requires PKA phosphorylation of HERG and dimerization of 14-3-3. The interaction also stabilizes the lifetime of the PKA-phosphorylated state of the channel by shielding the phosphates from cellular phosphatases. The net result is a prolongation of the effect of adrenergic stimulation upon HERG activity. Thus, 14-3-3 interactions with HERG may provide a unique mechanism for plasticity in the control of membrane excitability and cardiac rhythm.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

PubMed2002

KCNE regulation of KvLQT1 channels: structure-function correlates.

K(+) channels play a central role in determining resting membrane potential and cellular excitability. There is growing recognition that the channels exist not as independent units but as macromolecular complexes able to integrate a plethora of cellular signals to fine-tune channel activities. Interaction of K(+) channels with accessory proteins and subunits is increasingly reported as providing mechanisms for channels to respond to a variety of stimuli beyond just changes in membrane potential. One such association is that between some voltage-gated K(+) channels and the proteins encoded by the KCNE family of genes. The significance of these interactions is manifest in reports of genetic disorders such as the Long QT Syndrome linked to KCNE mutations and proarrhythmic drug susceptibilities from KCNE polymorphisms. The mechanism by which KCNE-encoded proteins control channel behavior is an emerging story. This article reviews some of the recent work addressing the prototypical KCNE-channel interaction between minK and KvLQT1.

Animals↗