A possible link between KCNQ2- and STXBP1-related encephalopathies: STXBP1 reduces the inhibitory impact of syntaxin-1A on M current.

OBJECTIVE: Kv7 channels mediate the voltage-gated M-type potassium current. Reduction of M current due to KCNQ2 mutations causes early onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEEs). Mutations in STXBP1 encoding the syntaxin binding protein 1 can produce a phenotype similar to that of KCNQ2 mutations, suggesting a possible link between STXBP1 and Kv7 channels. These channels are known to be modulated by syntaxin-1A (Syn-1A) that binds to the C-terminal domain of the Kv7.2 subunit and strongly inhibits M current. Here, we investigated whether STXBP1could prevent this inhibitory effect of Syn-1A and analyzed the consequences of two mutations in STXBP1 associated with EOEEs. METHODS: Electrophysiologic analysis of M currents mediated by homomeric Kv7.2 or heteromeric Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells coexpressing Syn-1A and/or STXBP1 or mutants STXBP1 p.W28* and p.P480L. Expression and interaction of these different proteins have been investigated using biochemical and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. RESULTS: Syn-1A decreased M currents mediated by Kv7.2 or Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels. STXBP1 had no direct effects on M current but dampened the inhibition produced by Syn-1A by abrogating Syn-1A binding to Kv7 channels. The mutation p.W28*, but not p.P480L, failed to rescue M current from Syn-1A inhibition. Biochemical analysis showed that unlike the mutation p.W28*, the mutation p.P480L did not affect STXBP1 expression and reduced the interaction of Syn-1A with Kv7 channels. SIGNIFICANCE: These data indicate that there is a functional link between STXBP1 and Kv7 channels via Syn-1A, which may be important for regulating M-channel activity and neuronal excitability. They suggest also that a defect in Kv7 channel activity or regulation could be one of the consequences of some STXBP1 mutations associated with EOEEs. Furthermore, our data reveal that STXBP1 mutations associated with the Ohtahara syndrome do not necessarily result in protein haploinsufficiency.

Epimorphin protects hepatocytes from oxidative stress by inhibiting mitochondrial injury.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many investigations have demonstrated that cell injuries caused by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common mechanism of various hepatic disorders. Recently, we have demonstrated that epimorphin, originally cloned as a mesenchymal protein, protects cultured intestinal epithelial cells from ROS. We therefore examine whether epimorphin protects primary cultured hepatocytes from ROS-induced cell injury. METHODS: We explored the cell viability and the intracellular ROS levels of purified murine hepatocytes after exposure to 0.5 mM H(2)O(2) with or without pretreatment of epimorphin. Then, we observed mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and depolarization using confocal microscopy to make clear the mechanism that epimorphin inhibited cell injuries after exposure to H(2)O(2). In addition, to clarify the signaling pathways related to cell survival, we carried out Western blotting analysis with phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) polyclonal antibody to evaluate the inhibition of JNK by epimorphin. Finally, we evaluated the cell viability in hepatocytes administered JNK inhibitor. RESULTS: Epimorphin protected primary cultured hepatocytes from H(2)O(2)-induced cell injuries independent of intracellular ROS levels. Epimorphin also inhibited onset of MPT, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and eventually cell killing. The cell protective function of epimorphin after exposure to H(2)O(2) was not dependent on Akt signaling but on JNK signaling. CONCLUSION: Epimorphin can protect hepatocytes from MPT-dependent cell injury induced by ROS. Since hepatic disorders could be caused by MPT-dependent cell injuries with excessive ROS, epimorphin might open a new therapeutic avenue for hepatic disorders.

Syntaxin-1A inhibition of P-1075, cromakalim, and diazoxide actions on mouse cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium channel.

AIMS: Syntaxin (Syn)-1A binds sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) nucleotide binding folds of cardiac myocyte (SUR2A) and islet beta-cells (SUR1) to inhibit ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels. We further reported that Syn-1A reduced the potency and efficacy of beta-cell-specific K(ATP) channel openers (KCOs). Here, we examined whether Syn-1A would influence non-specific (diazoxide) and SUR2-specific KCOs [N-cyano-N'-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-N''-3-pyridylguanidine (P-1075) and cromakalim] on cardiac myocyte K(ATP) channels activation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Confocal microscopy and Western blotting verified the presence of both Syn-1A and -1B expressions on rodent cardiac ventricular myocytes. Inside-out patch-clamp electrophysiology was utilized to examine the effects of these syntaxins on K(ATP) macroscopic currents activated by various KCOs from a stable cell line expressing the potassium inward rectifier 6.2 (Kir6.2)/SUR2A and from C57BL/6 male mouse ventricular myocytes. Syn-1A inhibited the current amplitude activated by P-1075, cromakalim and diazoxide via its H3 but not Habc domain. Syn-1B exhibited similar inhibitory effects on P-1075 activation of K(ATP) currents. In examining for direct effects of Syn-1A on the KCO binding to cardiac SUR2 receptors, we found that Syn-1A did not directly affect [(3)H]-P-1075 binding to rat cardiac membrane SUR2A at maximum binding capacity, but was able to mildly reduce the affinity of cold P-1075 and cromakalim to displace [(3)H]-P-1075 binding. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Syn-1A (and Syn-1B) could inhibit K(ATP) currents activated by SUR2A-acting KCOs. Potential fluctuations in the levels of these syntaxins in the myocardium may affect the therapeutic effectiveness of cardiac KCOs.

[Actions of Syn-1A on blocking the activation of K(ATP) channel induced by acidic pH].

AIM: To investigate the action and mechanism of Syn-1A in reversing the activation of K(ATP) channel induced by weak acidic pH. METHODS: The patches excised from Kir6.2/SUR2A expressing HEK-293 cells were used to establish inside-out configuration. To examine the actions of weak acidic pH in activation of the channel and the reverse action of Syn-1A on it, the inside-out patches were continuously perfused with the solution of pH from 7.4, 7.0, 6.8, 6.5 to 6.0 with or without Syn-1A. In vitro binding was employed to study the influence of different pH to the binding of Syn-1A to SUR2A subunit. RESULTS: Syn-1A blocked pH 6.5, 6.8 and 7.0 induced activation of the channel, and Syn-1A binding to SUR2A were increased by reducing pH from 7.4 to 6.0. CONCLUSION: Syn-1A would assert some inhibition of the KATP channels, which might temper the fluctuation of acidic pH-induced K(ATP) channel opening that could induce fatal re-entrant arrhythmias.

Distinct modulation of Kv1.2 channel gating by wild type, but not open form, of syntaxin-1A.

SNARE proteins, syntaxin-1A (Syn-1A) and SNAP-25, inhibit delayed rectifier K(+) channels, K(v)1.1 and K(v)2.1, in secretory cells. We showed previously that the mutant open conformation of Syn-1A (Syn-1A L165A/E166A) inhibits K(v)2.1 channels more optimally than wild-type Syn-1A. In this report we examined whether Syn-1A in its wild-type and open conformations would exhibit similar differential actions on the gating of K(v)1.2, a major delayed rectifier K(+) channel in nonsecretory smooth muscle cells and some neuronal tissues. In coexpression and acute dialysis studies, wild-type Syn-1A inhibited K(v)1.2 current magnitude. Of interest, wild-type Syn-1A caused a right shift in the activation curves of K(v)1.2 without affecting its steady-state availability, an inhibition profile opposite to its effects on K(v)2.1 (steady-state availability reduction without changes in voltage dependence of activation). Also, although both wild-type and open-form Syn-1A bound equally well to K(v)1.2 in an expression system, open-form Syn-1A failed to reduce K(v)1.2 current magnitude or affect its gating. This is in contrast to the reported more potent effect of open-form Syn-1A on K(v)2.1 channels in secretory cells. This finding together with the absence of Munc18 and/or 13-1 in smooth muscles suggested that a change to an open conformation Syn-1A, normally facilitated by Munc18/13-1, is not required in nonsecretory smooth muscle cells. Taken together with previous reports, our results demonstrate the multiplicity of gating inhibition of different K(v) channels by Syn-1A and is compatible with versatility of Syn-1A modulation of repolarization in various secretory and nonsecretory (smooth muscle) cell types.