Polymorphism of ADAM12, DPP6 and PRKN genes and their associations with milk production traits in Holstein.

Milk production traits as the most important economic traits of dairy cows, they directly reflect the benefits of breeding and the economic benefits of pasture. In this study, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase-12 (ADAM12), Parkinson's disease gene 2 (PRKN) and dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein subtype 6 (DPP6) polymorphism in 384 Chinese Holstein cows were detected by time-of-flight mass spectrometry and through statistical analysis using software such as Popgene 32, SAS 9.4 and Origin 2022, the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of three genes with four milk production traits such as daily milk yield (DMY), milk fat percentage (MFP), milk protein percentage (MPP) and somatic cell score (SCS) was verified at molecular level. The results showed that four polymorphic loci (116,467,133, 116,604,487, 116,618,268 and 116,835,111) of DPP6 gene, two polymorphic loci (97,665,052 and 97,159,837) of PRKN gene and two polymorphic loci (45,542,714 and 45,553,888) of ADAM12 gene were detected. PRKN-97665052, DPP6-116467133, ADAM12-45553888, DPP6-116604487 and DPP6-116835111 were all in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium state (p > .05). ADAM12-45542714, PRKN-97159837 and PRKN-97665052 were moderately polymorphic (0.25 ≤ PIC <0.50) in Holstein. It is evident that the selection potential and genetic variation of these five loci are relatively large, and the genetic richness is relatively high. The correlation analysis of different genotypes between these eight loci and milk production traits of Holstein showed that ADAM12-45542714 and DPP6-116835111 (p < .01) had an extremely significant effects on the DMY of Chinese Holstein in Ningxia, while PRKN-97665052 had an extremely significant effect on MFP (p < .01). The effect of PRKN-97665052 and DPP6-116467133 on MPP of Holstein were extremely significant (p < .01). DPP6-116618268 had an extremely significant effect on the SCS of Holstein in Ningxia (p < .01), and AA genotype individuals showed a higher SCS than GG genotype individuals; the other two loci (ADAM12-45553888 and DPP6-116604487) had no significant effects on milk production traits of Holstein (p > .05). In addition, through the joint analysis of DPP6, PRKN and ADAM12 gene loci, it was found that the interaction effect between the three gene loci could significantly affect the DMY, SCS (p < .01) and MPP (p < .05). In conclusion, several different loci of DPP6, PRKN and ADAM12 genes can affect the milk production traits of Holstein to different degrees. PRKN, DPP6 and ADAM12 genes can be used as potential candidate genes for milk production traits of Holstein for marker-assisted selection, providing theoretical basis for breeding of Holstein.

Methods of Measuring Mitochondrial Potassium Channels: A Critical Assessment.

In this paper, the techniques used to study the function of mitochondrial potassium channels are critically reviewed. The majority of these techniques have been known for many years as a result of research on plasma membrane ion channels. Hence, in this review, we focus on the critical evaluation of techniques used in the studies of mitochondrial potassium channels, describing their advantages and limitations. Functional analysis of mitochondrial potassium channels in comparison to that of plasmalemmal channels presents additional experimental challenges. The reliability of functional studies of mitochondrial potassium channels is often affected by the need to isolate mitochondria and by functional properties of mitochondria such as respiration, metabolic activity, swelling capacity, or high electrical potential. Three types of techniques are critically evaluated: electrophysiological techniques, potassium flux measurements, and biochemical techniques related to potassium flux measurements. Finally, new possible approaches to the study of the function of mitochondrial potassium channels are presented. We hope that this review will assist researchers in selecting reliable methods for studying, e.g., the effects of drugs on mitochondrial potassium channel function. Additionally, this review should aid in the critical evaluation of the results reported in various articles on mitochondrial potassium channels.

The mechanosensitive ion channel TRAAK is localized to the mammalian node of Ranvier.

TRAAK is a membrane tension-activated K+ channel that has been associated through behavioral studies to mechanical nociception. We used specific monoclonal antibodies in mice to show that TRAAK is localized exclusively to nodes of Ranvier, the action potential propagating elements of myelinated nerve fibers. Approximately 80 percent of myelinated nerve fibers throughout the central and peripheral nervous system contain TRAAK in what is likely an all-nodes or no-nodes per axon fashion. TRAAK is not observed at the axon initial segment where action potentials are first generated. We used polyclonal antibodies, the TRAAK inhibitor RU2 and node clamp amplifiers to demonstrate the presence and functional properties of TRAAK in rat nerve fibers. TRAAK contributes to the 'leak' K+ current in mammalian nerve fiber conduction by hyperpolarizing the resting membrane potential, thereby increasing Na+ channel availability for action potential propagation. We speculate on why nodes of Ranvier contain a mechanosensitive K+ channel.

LILBID and nESI: Different Native Mass Spectrometry Techniques as Tools in Structural Biology.

Native mass spectrometry is applied for the investigation of proteins and protein complexes worldwide. The challenge in native mass spectrometry is maintaining the features of the proteins of interest, such as oligomeric state, bound ligands, or the conformation of the protein complex, during transfer from solution to gas phase. This is an essential prerequisite to allow conclusions about the solution state protein complex, based on the gas phase measurements. Therefore, soft ionization techniques are required. Widely used for the analysis of protein complexes are nanoelectro spray ionization (nESI) mass spectrometers. A newer ionization method is laser induced liquid bead ion desorption (LILBID), which is based on the release of protein complexes from solution phase via infrared (IR) laser desorption. We use both methods in our lab, depending on the requirements of the biological system we are interested in. Here we benchmark the performance of our LILBID mass spectrometer in comparison to a nESI instrument, regarding sample conditions, buffer and additive tolerances, dissociation mechanism and applicability towards soluble and membrane protein complexes. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Protein Kinase 2ß Is Expressed in Neural Crest-Derived Urinary Pacemaker Cells and Required for Pyeloureteric Contraction.

Nonobstructive hydronephrosis, defined as dilatation of the renal pelvis with or without dilatation of the ureter, is the most common antenatal abnormality detected by fetal ultrasound. Yet, the etiology of nonobstructive hydronephrosis is poorly defined. We previously demonstrated that defective development of urinary tract pacemaker cells (utPMCs) expressing hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 3 (HCN3) and the stem cell marker cKIT causes abnormal ureteric peristalsis and nonobstructive hydronephrosis. However, further investigation of utPMC development and function is limited by lack of knowledge regarding the embryonic derivation, development, and molecular apparatus of these cells. Here, we used lineage tracing in mice to identify cells that give rise to utPMCs. Neural crest cells (NCCs) indelibly labeled with tdTomato expressed HCN3 and cKIT. Furthermore, purified HCN3+ and cKIT+ utPMCs were enriched in Sox10 and Tfap-2α, markers of NCCs. Sequencing of purified RNA from HCN3+ cells revealed enrichment of a small subset of RNAs, including RNA encoding protein kinase 2ß (PTK2ß), a Ca2+-dependent tyrosine kinase that regulates ion channel activity in neurons. Immunofluorescence analysis in situ revealed PTK2ß expression in NCCs as early as embryonic day 12.5 and in HCN3+ and cKIT+ utPMCs as early as embryonic day 15.5, with sustained expression in HCN3+ utPMCs until postnatal week 8. Pharmacologic inhibition of PTK2ß in murine pyeloureteral tissue explants inhibited contraction frequency. Together, these results demonstrate that utPMCs are derived from NCCs, identify new markers of utPMCs, and demonstrate a functional contribution of PTK2ß to utPMC function.

Atrium-specific ion channels in the zebrafish-A role of IKACh in atrial repolarization.

AIM: The zebrafish has emerged as a novel model for investigating cardiac physiology and pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate the atrium-specific ion channels responsible for shaping the atrial cardiac action potential in zebrafish. METHODS: Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we assessed the expression level of atrium-specific potassium channels. The functional role of these channels was studied by patch clamp experiments on isolated atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes and by optical mapping of explanted adult zebrafish hearts. Finally, surface ECGs were recorded to establish possible in vivo roles of atrial ion channels. RESULTS: In isolated adult zebrafish hearts, we identified the expression of kcnk3, kcnk9, kcnn1, kcnn2, kcnn3, kcnj3 and kcnj5, the genes that encode the atrium-specific K2P , KCa 2.x and Kir 3.1/4 (KACh ) ion channels. The electrophysiological data indicate that the acetylcholine-activated inward-rectifying current, IKACh, plays a major role in the zebrafish atrium, whereas K2P 3.1/9.1 and KCa 2.x channels do not appear to be involved in regulating the action potential in the zebrafish heart. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that the acetylcholine-activated inward-rectifying current (IKACh ) current plays a major role in the zebrafish atrium and that the zebrafish could potentially be a cost-effective and reliable model for pharmacological testing of atrium-specific IKACh modulating compounds.

[Autoimmune encephalitis due to mantle cell lymphoma]. / Auto-immune encefalitis door een mantelcellymfoom.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune encephalitis is a rare condition characterized by subacute development of cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. A paraneoplastic syndrome involves autoimmune encephalitis caused by classic antibodies. Although this condition is often associated with cancer, no malignancy has yet been found in 70-90% of patients at the time of diagnosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: We saw a 58-year-old male patient with fatigue, diarrhoea and weight loss. He was also experiencing hyperekplexia, personality changes and an instable gait. PET-CT revealed generalised lymphadenopathy. Histopathological analysis of a lymph node showed mantle cell lymphoma. Further investigation of the fluid revealed anti-DPPX IgG antibodies. We treated the patient's mantle cell lymphoma with R-CHOP; he achieved complete remission and his neurological symptoms resolved almost completely. CONCLUSION: The presence of anti-DPPX IgG antibodies is rare. Although it has not been proven that these antibodies are related to malignancies, this is the third of 30 known cases in which anti-DPPX IgG antibodies and a lymphatic malignancy were found.

[Study on the electrophsiological properties in the stria vascularis pericytes in cochlear of guinea pig].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to study the electrophysiological properties and the type of potassium channels on cell membrane in the stria vascularis pericytes in cochlear of guinea pig. METHODS: Firstly examined the expression of the stria vascularis pericytes by desmin, a marker of pericytes, in cochlear of guinea pig with immunofluorescent method. Using whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques to observe electrophysiological properties in the cochlear pericytes in stria vascularis of guinea pig. RESULTS: Pericytes were predominately distributed in the capillaries of cochlea.The average membrane capacitance, resistance, and potential of a single pericyte in stria vascularis were(5.9±0.3)pF, (2.2±0.3)GΩ and (-30.9±1.2)mV, respectively by using patch clamp technique. In addition, the average current density of cochlear pericyte was voltage-sensitive (Vh from 0 to + 60 mV, in 20 mV steps). The pericytes exhibited outward current and this property could be blocked by TEA (tetraethylammonium) 1 mmol/L, a large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel(BKCa)inhibitor and 4-AP (4-aminopyridine) 1 mmol/L, a voltage-dependent K(+) channels(KV) channel blocker. TEA blocked the outward current from (296.2±35.9)pA to (163.7±16.8)pA and 4-AP blocked the outward current from (248.7±39.8)pA to (158.0±38.0)pA. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pericytes in stria vascularis have BKCa and KV channels.

Decreased expression of hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 3 in Hirschsprung's disease.

AIM: To determine if hyperpolarisation-activated nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels exist in human colon, and to investigate the expression of HCN channels in Hirschsprung's disease. METHODS: We investigated HCN1, HCN2, HCN3 and HCN4 protein expression in pull-through specimens from patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR, n = 10) using the proximal-most ganglionic segment and distal-most aganglionic segment, as well as in healthy control specimens obtained at the time of sigmoid colostomy closure in children who had undergone anorectoplasty for imperforate anus (n = 10). Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed to assess protein distribution, which was then visualized using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: No HCN1 channel expression was observed in any of the tissues studied. Both HCN2 and HCN4 proteins were found to be equally expressed in the aganglionic and ganglionic bowel in HSCR and controls. HCN3 channel expression was found to be markedly decreased in the aganglionic colon vs ganglionic colon and controls. HCN2-4 channels were seen to be expressed within neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexus of the ganglionic bowel and normal controls, and also co-localised to interstitial cells of Cajal in all tissues studied. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate HCN channel expression in human colon for the first time. Reduced HCN3 expression in aganglionic bowel suggests its potential role in HSCR pathophysiology.

The cardiomyocyte molecular clock regulates the circadian expression of Kcnh2 and contributes to ventricular repolarization.

BACKGROUND: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) follows a diurnal variation. Data suggest the timing of SCD is influenced by circadian (~24-hour) changes in neurohumoral and cardiomyocyte-specific regulation of the heart's electrical properties. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors brain muscle arnt-like1 (BMAL1) and circadian locomotor output control kaput (CLOCK) coordinate the circadian expression of select genes. OBJECTIVE: We sought to test whether Bmal1 expression in cardiomyocytes contributes to K(+) channel expression and diurnal changes in ventricular repolarization. METHODS: We used transgenic mice that allow for the inducible cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of Bmal1 (iCSΔBmal1(-/-)). We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction, voltage clamping, promoter-reporter bioluminescence assays, and electrocardiographic telemetry. RESULTS: Although several K(+) channel gene transcripts were downregulated in iCSΔBmal1(-/-)mouse hearts, only Kcnh2 exhibited a robust circadian pattern of expression that was disrupted in iCSΔBmal1(-/-) hearts. Kcnh2 underlies the rapidly activating delayed-rectifier K(+) current, and the rapidly activating delayed-rectifier K(+) current recorded from iCSΔBmal1(-/-) ventricular cardiomyocytes was ~50% smaller than control ventricular myocytes. Promoter-reporter assays demonstrated that the human Kcnh2 promoter is transactivated by the coexpression of BMAL1 and CLOCK. Electrocardiographic analysis showed that iCSΔBmal1(-/-) mice developed a prolongation in the heart rate-corrected QT interval during the light (resting) phase. This was secondary to an augmented circadian rhythm in the uncorrected QT interval without a corresponding change in the RR interval. CONCLUSION: The molecular clock in the heart regulates the circadian expression of Kcnh2, modifies K(+) channel gene expression, and is important for normal ventricular repolarization. Disruption of the cardiomyocyte circadian clock mechanism likely unmasks diurnal changes in ventricular repolarization that could contribute to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias/SCD.

Use of label-free optical biosensors to detect modulation of potassium channels by G-protein coupled receptors.

Ion channels control the electrical properties of neurons and other excitable cell types by selectively allowing ions to flow through the plasma membrane(1). To regulate neuronal excitability, the biophysical properties of ion channels are modified by signaling proteins and molecules, which often bind to the channels themselves to form a heteromeric channel complex(2,3). Traditional assays examining the interaction between channels and regulatory proteins require exogenous labels that can potentially alter the protein's behavior and decrease the physiological relevance of the target, while providing little information on the time course of interactions in living cells. Optical biosensors, such as the X-BODY Biosciences BIND Scanner system, use a novel label-free technology, resonance wavelength grating (RWG) optical biosensors, to detect changes in resonant reflected light near the biosensor. This assay allows the detection of the relative change in mass within the bottom portion of living cells adherent to the biosensor surface resulting from ligand induced changes in cell adhesion and spreading, toxicity, proliferation, and changes in protein-protein interactions near the plasma membrane. RWG optical biosensors have been used to detect changes in mass near the plasma membrane of cells following activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases, and other cell surface receptors. Ligand-induced changes in ion channel-protein interactions can also be studied using this assay. In this paper, we will describe the experimental procedure used to detect the modulation of Slack-B sodium-activated potassium (KNa) channels by GPCRs.

Osmotic tolerance and intracellular ion concentrations of bovine sperm are affected by cryopreservation.

In this study, the effects of cryopreservation on osmoregulation and ion homeostasis in bovine sperm were studied. We determined: (1) the osmotic tolerance limits and cell volume response upon exposure to anisotonic conditions, (2) the intracellular pH and potassium concentration, and (3) expression and localization of proteins encoding for potassium and chloride ion channels. A flow cytometric approach was used for simultaneous assessment of cell volume and viability of propidium iodide stained sperm in anisotonic media. Osmotic tolerance was found to be decreased after cryopreservation, especially in the 120 to 60 mOsm/kg osmotic range. The critical osmolality at which half of the sperm population survived increased from 55 to 89 mOsm/kg. The osmotic cell volume response for viable sperm was similar before and after cryopreservation, with an osmotic inactive volume of about 70%. The intracellular pH, determined by recording changes in carboxyfluorescein fluorescence of sperm in media with different pH before and after addition of digitonin, decreased from 6.28 in diluted sperm to 6.16 after cryopreservation. The intracellular potassium concentration, determined using the potassium ionophore nigericin and incubation in media with various potassium concentrations, increased from 154 mM to 183 mM before and after cryopreservation, respectively. The levels of the chloride and potassium ion channel proteins chloride channel 3 protein (CLC-3) and two pore domain potassium channel 2 protein (TASK-2), as detected using Western blot analysis, were not affected by cryopreservation. Immunolocalization studies showed that CLC-3 is present in the acrosome and midpiece as well as in the upper and lower tail. In conclusion, cryopreserved sperm exhibit reduced tolerance to hypotonic stress, a decreased intracellular pH, and increased intracellular potassium level.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1: Utility of KCNRG autoantibodies as a marker of active pulmonary disease and successful treatment with rituximab.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1), also known as Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy Candidiasis and Ectodermal Dysplasia (APECD) is a disorder caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. In some APS-1 patients, significant pulmonary disease is observed. Autoantibodies directed against the potassium channel regulatory protein (KCNRG), found in epithelial cells of terminal bronchioles, have been suggested as a marker for pulmonary disease in APS-1 patients. We report two patients with APS-1; one with and one without lung disease. Patient 1 had multiple admissions for pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency, required non-invasive ventilation, and had findings of bronchiectasis on thoracic imaging and significant lymphocytic infiltrates of the airways on lung biopsy. To verify the autoimmune cause of pulmonary symptoms APS-1 patients, both were tested in a blinded manner for the presence of autoantibodies to KCNRG in serum. We found that only Patient 1 had autoantibodies present. Additionally, Patient 1 had progressive disease despite treatment with several immunomodulating agents, including corticosteroids, azathioprine, and mycophenolate. Patient 1 had a lung biopsy performed which was consistent with B cell lymphocytic aggregates. Rituximab treatment was initiated with apparent good response. This report illustrates the practical use of KCNRG autoantibodies to identify APS-1 patients with pulmonary risk and the successful use of the monoclonal antibody, Rituximab, to treat pulmonary disease in APS-1 patients.

Diet-induced obesity impairs endothelium-derived hyperpolarization via altered potassium channel signaling mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: The vascular endothelium plays a critical role in the control of blood flow. Altered endothelium-mediated vasodilator and vasoconstrictor mechanisms underlie key aspects of cardiovascular disease, including those in obesity. Whilst the mechanism of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation has been extensively studied in obesity, little is known about the impact of obesity on vasodilation to the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) mechanism; which predominates in smaller resistance vessels and is characterized in this study. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Membrane potential, vessel diameter and luminal pressure were recorded in 4(th) order mesenteric arteries with pressure-induced myogenic tone, in control and diet-induced obese rats. Obesity, reflecting that of human dietary etiology, was induced with a cafeteria-style diet (∼30 kJ, fat) over 16-20 weeks. Age and sexed matched controls received standard chow (∼12 kJ, fat). Channel protein distribution, expression and vessel morphology were determined using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and ultrastructural techniques. In control and obese rat vessels, acetylcholine-mediated EDH was abolished by small and intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK(Ca)/IK(Ca)) inhibition; with such activity being impaired in obesity. SK(Ca)-IK(Ca) activation with cyclohexyl-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amine (CyPPA) and 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO), respectively, hyperpolarized and relaxed vessels from control and obese rats. IK(Ca)-mediated EDH contribution was increased in obesity, and associated with altered IK(Ca) distribution and elevated expression. In contrast, the SK(Ca)-dependent-EDH component was reduced in obesity. Inward-rectifying potassium channel (K(ir)) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition by barium/ouabain, respectively, attenuated and abolished EDH in arteries from control and obese rats, respectively; reflecting differential K(ir) expression and distribution. Although changes in medial properties occurred, obesity had no effect on myoendothelial gap junction density. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: In obese rats, vasodilation to EDH is impaired due to changes in the underlying potassium channel signaling mechanisms. Whilst myoendothelial gap junction density is unchanged in arteries of obese compared to control, increased IK(Ca) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, and decreased K(ir) underlie changes in the EDH mechanism.

Long-term fish oil supplementation induces cardiac electrical remodeling by changing channel protein expression in the rabbit model.

Clinical trials and epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary fish oil (FO) supplementation can provide an anti-arrhythmic benefit in some patient populations. The underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. We wanted to understand how FO supplementation (for 4 weeks) affected the action potential configuration/duration of ventricular myocytes, and the ionic mechanism(s)/molecular basis for these effects. The experiments were conducted on adult rabbits, a widely used animal model for cardiac electrophysiology and pathophysiology. We used gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to confirm that FO feeding produced a marked increase in the content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the phospholipids of rabbit hearts. Left ventricular myocytes were used in current and voltage clamp experiments to monitor action potentials and ionic currents, respectively. Action potentials of myocytes from FO-fed rabbits exhibited much more positive plateau voltages and prolonged durations. These changes could be explained by an increase in the L-type Ca current (I(CaL)) and a decrease in the transient outward current (I(to)) in these myocytes. FO feeding did not change the delayed rectifier or inward rectifier current. Immunoblot experiments showed that the FO-feeding induced changes in I(CaL) and I(to) were associated with corresponding changes in the protein levels of major pore-forming subunits of these channels: increase in Cav1.2 and decrease in Kv4.2 and Kv1.4. There was no change in other channel subunits (Cav1.1, Kv4.3, KChIP2, and ERG1). We conclude that long-term fish oil supplementation can impact on cardiac electrical activity at least partially by changing channel subunit expression in cardiac myocytes.

A novel potassium channel in photosynthetic cyanobacteria.

Elucidation of the structure-function relationship of a small number of prokaryotic ion channels characterized so far greatly contributed to our knowledge on basic mechanisms of ion conduction. We identified a new potassium channel (SynK) in the genome of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, a photosynthetic model organism. SynK, when expressed in a K(+)-uptake-system deficient E. coli strain, was able to recover growth of these organisms. The protein functions as a potassium selective ion channel when expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The location of SynK in cyanobacteria in both thylakoid and plasmamembranes was revealed by immunogold electron microscopy and Western blotting of isolated membrane fractions. SynK seems to be conserved during evolution, giving rise to a TPK (two-pore K(+) channel) family member which is shown here to be located in the thylakoid membrane of Arabidopsis. Our work characterizes a novel cyanobacterial potassium channel and indicates the molecular nature of the first higher plant thylakoid cation channel, opening the way to functional studies.

Cell-based potassium ion channel screening using the FluxOR assay.

FluxOR technology is a cell-based assay used for high-throughput screening measurements of potassium channel activity. Using thallium influx as a surrogate indicator of potassium ion channel activity, the FluxOR Potassium Ion Channel Assay is based on the activation of a novel fluorescent dye. This indicator reports channel activity with a large fluorogenic response and is proportional to the number of open potassium channels on the cell, making it extremely useful for studying K(+) channel targets. In contrast to BTC-AM ester, FluxOR dye is roughly 10-fold more thallium sensitive, requiring much lower thallium for a larger signal window. This also means that the assay is carried out in a physiological, normal-chloride saline. In this article, the authors describe how they used BacMam gene delivery to express Kv7.2 and 7.3 (KCNQ), Kir2.1, or Kv11.1 (hERG) potassium ion channels in U2-OS cells. Using these cells, they ran the FluxOR assay to identify and characterize channel-specific inhibitory compounds discovered within the library (Tocriscreen Mini 1200 and Sigma Sodium/Potassium Modulators Ligand set). The FluxOR assay was able to identify several known specific inhibitors of Kv7.2/7.3 or hERG, highlighting its potential to identify novel and more efficacious small-molecule modulators.

Novel strategy for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: enhancement of apoptosis.

Advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by extensive vascular remodeling that is usually resistant to vasodilator therapy. As the major component of the vascular media, decreased apoptosis of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) plays key roles during pulmonary vascular remodeling. Recent studies showed that enhancement of apoptosis of PASMC can reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Enhancement of apoptosis of PASMC is becoming a novel strategy to reverse severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. This review analyzes some potential strategies to reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Losartan prevents portal hypertension-induced, redox-mediated endothelial dysfunction in the mesenteric artery in rats.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Advanced stages of portal hypertension are characterized by generalized vasodilatation and a hyperdynamic syndrome that leads to complications such as hepatopulmonary syndrome. We assessed the endothelial function--particularly the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)--in rats following common bile duct ligation (CBDL) to determine the underlying mechanisms of these processes. METHODS: Reactivity of mesenteric artery rings from male Wistar rats was determined in organ chambers. The expression levels of connexins (Cx) (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43), intermediate and small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (IK(Ca), SK(Ca)), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), NADPH oxidase subunits, and nitrotyrosines were assessed by immunohistochemistry in mesenteric and pulmonary arteries. The vascular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using dihydroethidine. Control rats or those that had undergone CBDL were given either the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin or the angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist losartan. RESULTS: Decreased EDHF-mediated relaxations to acetylcholine and red wine polyphenols were observed in CBDL rats, compared with controls, whereas the level of NO-mediated relaxation was similar. Impaired EDHF-mediated relaxations were associated with reduced vascular expression of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, IK(Ca) and SK(Ca); increased expression of eNOS and NADPH oxidase subunits; and increased vascular formation of ROS and peroxynitrites. These effects were prevented by exposure to apocynin or losartan. CONCLUSIONS: CBDL is associated with reduced EDHF-mediated relaxations in the mesenteric artery, whereas NO-mediated relaxations persisted. These findings indicate that impaired EDHF-mediated relaxation involves an excessive vascular oxidative stress, most likely following activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptors.