A glial DEG/ENaC channel functions with neuronal channel DEG-1 to mediate specific sensory functions in C. elegans.
EMBO J
; 27(18): 2388-99, 2008 Sep 17.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18701922
ABSTRACT
Mammalian neuronal DEG/ENaC channels known as ASICs (acid-sensing ion channels) mediate sensory perception and memory formation. ASICS are closed at rest and are gated by protons. Members of the DEG/ENaC family expressed in epithelial tissues are called ENaCs and mediate Na(+) transport across epithelia. ENaCs exhibit constitutive activity and strict Na(+) selectivity. We report here the analysis of the first DEG/ENaC in Caenorhabditis elegans with functional features of ENaCs that is involved in sensory perception. ACD-1 (acid-sensitive channel, degenerin-like) is constitutively open and impermeable to Ca(2+), yet it is required with neuronal DEG/ENaC channel DEG-1 for acid avoidance and chemotaxis to the amino acid lysine. Surprisingly, we document that ACD-1 is required in glia rather than neurons to orchestrate sensory perception. We also report that ACD-1 is inhibited by extracellular and intracellular acidification and, based on the analysis of an acid-hypersensitive ACD-1 mutant, we propose a mechanism of action of ACD-1 in sensory responses based on its sensitivity to protons. Our findings suggest that channels with ACD-1 features may be expressed in mammalian glia and have important functions in controlling neuronal function.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Canais de Sódio
/
Neuroglia
/
Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans
/
Canais Epiteliais de Sódio
/
Proteínas de Membrana
/
Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
EMBO J
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos