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Proceedings of the National Academy of... Nov 2003Microbial-type rhodopsins are found in archaea, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Some of them represent membrane ion transport proteins such as bacteriorhodopsin, a...
Microbial-type rhodopsins are found in archaea, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Some of them represent membrane ion transport proteins such as bacteriorhodopsin, a light-driven proton pump, or channelrhodopsin-1 (ChR1), a recently identified light-gated proton channel from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. ChR1 and ChR2, a related microbial-type rhodopsin from C. reinhardtii, were shown to be involved in generation of photocurrents of this green alga. We demonstrate by functional expression, both in oocytes of Xenopus laevis and mammalian cells, that ChR2 is a directly light-switched cation-selective ion channel. This channel opens rapidly after absorption of a photon to generate a large permeability for monovalent and divalent cations. ChR2 desensitizes in continuous light to a smaller steady-state conductance. Recovery from desensitization is accelerated by extracellular H+ and negative membrane potential, whereas closing of the ChR2 ion channel is decelerated by intracellular H+. ChR2 is expressed mainly in C. reinhardtii under low-light conditions, suggesting involvement in photoreception in dark-adapted cells. The predicted seven-transmembrane alpha helices of ChR2 are characteristic for G protein-coupled receptors but reflect a different motif for a cation-selective ion channel. Finally, we demonstrate that ChR2 may be used to depolarize small or large cells, simply by illumination.
Topics: Algal Proteins; Animals; Cations; Cell Line; Chlamydomonas reinhardtii; Cricetinae; Female; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; In Vitro Techniques; Ion Channel Gating; Ion Channels; Light; Membrane Potentials; Oocytes; Photobiology; Protozoan Proteins; Recombinant Proteins; Rhodopsin; Xenopus laevis
PubMed: 14615590
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1936192100 -
Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and... 2015All living cells require membrane proteins that act as conduits for the regulated transport of ions, solutes and other small molecules across the cell membrane. Ion... (Review)
Review
All living cells require membrane proteins that act as conduits for the regulated transport of ions, solutes and other small molecules across the cell membrane. Ion channels provide a pore that permits often rapid, highly selective and tightly regulated movement of ions down their electrochemical gradient. In contrast, active transporters can move moieties up their electrochemical gradient. The secondary active transporters (such as SLC superfamily solute transporters) achieve this by coupling uphill movement of the substrate to downhill movement of another ion, such as sodium. The primary active transporters (including H(+)/K(+)-ATPases and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPases) utilize ATP hydrolysis as an energy source to power uphill transport. It is well known that proteins in each of these classes work in concert with members of the other classes to ensure, for example, ion homeostasis, ion secretion and restoration of ion balance following action potentials. More recently, evidence is emerging of direct physical interaction between true ion channels, and some primary or secondary active transporters. Here, we review the first known members of this new class of macromolecular complexes that we term "chansporters", explore their biological roles and discuss the pathophysiological consequences of their disruption. We compare functional and/or physical interactions between the ubiquitous KCNQ1 potassium channel and various active transporters, and examine other newly discovered chansporter complexes that suggest we may be seeing the tip of the iceberg in a newly emerging signaling modality.
Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Humans; Ion Channels; Ion Pumps; Membrane Transport Proteins; Protein Subunits; Solute Carrier Proteins
PubMed: 27098917
DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2016.1172553 -
Kidney International Jun 1996Aquaporins (AQPs) are a newly recognized family of transmembrane proteins that function as molecular water channels. At least four aquaporins are expressed in the kidney... (Review)
Review
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a newly recognized family of transmembrane proteins that function as molecular water channels. At least four aquaporins are expressed in the kidney where they mediate rapid water transport across water-permeable epithelia and play critical roles in urinary concentrating and diluting processes. AQP1 is constitutively expressed at extremely high levels in the proximal tubule and descending limb of Henle's loop. AQP2, -3 and -4 are expressed predominantly in the collecting duct system. AQP2 is the predominant water channel in the apical plasma membrane and AQP3 and -4 are found in the basolateral plasma membrane. Short-term regulation of collecting duct water permeability by vasopressin is largely a consequence of regulated trafficking of AQP2-containing vesicles to and from the apical plasma membrane.
Topics: Aquaporin 1; Aquaporin 2; Aquaporin 3; Aquaporin 4; Aquaporin 6; Aquaporins; Ion Channels; Kidney Tubules; Water
PubMed: 8743483
DOI: 10.1038/ki.1996.253 -
FEBS Letters Oct 2018The Pannexin1 (Panx1) membrane channel responds to different stimuli with distinct channel conformations. Most stimuli induce a large cation- and ATP-permeable... (Review)
Review
The Pannexin1 (Panx1) membrane channel responds to different stimuli with distinct channel conformations. Most stimuli induce a large cation- and ATP-permeable conformation, hence Panx1 is involved in many physiological processes entailing purinergic signaling. For example, oxygen delivery in the peripheral circulatory system is regulated by ATP released from red blood cells and endothelial cells through Panx1 channels. The same membrane channel, however, when stimulated by positive membrane potential or by cleavage with caspase 3, is highly selective for the passage of chloride ions, excluding cations and ATP. Although biophysical data do not allow a distinction between the chloride-selective channels induced by voltage or by caspase cleavage, there must be other subtle differences in the structure, because overexpression of wtPanx1 is well tolerated by cells, while expression of the truncation mutant Panx1Δ378 results in slow cell death. Thus, in addition to the well-characterized two open conformations, there might be a third, more subtle conformational change involved in cell death.
Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Caspase 3; Connexins; Humans; Ion Channels; Models, Molecular; Mutation; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Protein Conformation; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 29802622
DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13115 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta.... Jan 2018Pannexins are a family of integral membrane proteins with distinct post-translational modifications, sub-cellular localization and tissue distribution. Panx1 is the most... (Review)
Review
Pannexins are a family of integral membrane proteins with distinct post-translational modifications, sub-cellular localization and tissue distribution. Panx1 is the most studied and best-characterized isoform of this gene family. The ubiquitous expression, as well as its function as a major ATP release and nucleotide permeation channel, makes Panx1 a primary candidate for participating in the pathophysiology of CNS disorders. While many investigations revolve around Panx1 functions in health and disease, more recently, details started emerging about mechanisms that control Panx1 channel activity. These advancements in Panx1 biology have revealed that beyond its classical role as an unopposed plasma membrane channel, it participates in alternative pathways involving multiple intracellular compartments, protein complexes and a myriad of extracellular participants. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of Panx1 at the center of these pathways, highlighting its modulation in a context specific manner. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
Topics: Animals; Cell Membrane; Central Nervous System Diseases; Connexins; Humans; Ion Channel Gating; Ion Channels; Nerve Tissue Proteins
PubMed: 28735901
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.07.009 -
Cells Sep 2021Both inherited and acquired cardiac arrhythmias are often associated with the abnormal functional expression of ion channels at the cellular level. The complex machinery... (Review)
Review
Both inherited and acquired cardiac arrhythmias are often associated with the abnormal functional expression of ion channels at the cellular level. The complex machinery that continuously traffics, anchors, organizes, and recycles ion channels at the plasma membrane of a cardiomyocyte appears to be a major source of channel dysfunction during cardiac arrhythmias. This has been well established with the discovery of mutations in the genes encoding several ion channels and ion channel partners during inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Fibrosis, altered myocyte contacts, and post-transcriptional protein changes are common factors that disorganize normal channel trafficking during acquired cardiac arrhythmias. Channel availability, described notably for hERG and K1.5 channels, could be another potent arrhythmogenic mechanism. From this molecular knowledge on cardiac arrhythmias will emerge novel antiarrhythmic strategies.
Topics: Animals; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Biological Transport; Cell Membrane; ERG1 Potassium Channel; Humans; Ion Channels; Kv1.5 Potassium Channel
PubMed: 34572065
DOI: 10.3390/cells10092417 -
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of... Mar 2016Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1), formerly known as FAM26C, was recently identified as a physiologically important plasma membrane ion channel. CALHM1 and its... (Review)
Review
Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1), formerly known as FAM26C, was recently identified as a physiologically important plasma membrane ion channel. CALHM1 and its Caenorhabditis elegans homolog, CLHM-1, are regulated by membrane voltage and extracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]o). In the presence of physiological [Ca(2+)]o (∼1.5 mM), CALHM1 and CLHM-1 are closed at resting membrane potentials but can be opened by strong depolarizations. Reducing [Ca(2+)]o increases channel open probability, enabling channel activation at negative membrane potentials. Together, voltage and Ca(2+) o allosterically regulate CALHM channel gating. Through convergent evolution, CALHM has structural features that are reminiscent of connexins and pannexins/innexins/LRRC8 (volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC)) gene families, including four transmembrane helices with cytoplasmic amino and carboxyl termini. A CALHM1 channel is a hexamer of CALHM1 monomers with a functional pore diameter of ∼14 Å. CALHM channels discriminate poorly among cations and anions, with signaling molecules including Ca(2+) and ATP able to permeate through its pore. CALHM1 is expressed in the brain where it plays an important role in cortical neuron excitability induced by low [Ca(2+)]o and in type II taste bud cells in the tongue that sense sweet, bitter, and umami tastes where it functions as an essential ATP release channel to mediate nonsynaptic neurotransmitter release. CLHM-1 is expressed in C. elegans sensory neurons and body wall muscles, and its genetic deletion causes locomotion defects. Thus, CALHM is a voltage- and Ca(2+) o-gated ion channel, permeable to large cations and anions, that plays important roles in physiology.
Topics: Animals; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Connexins; Humans; Ion Channel Gating; Ion Channels; Membrane Glycoproteins; Sensory Receptor Cells; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 26603282
DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1757-6 -
Neurobiology of Disease Sep 2023Lysosomes are acidic intracellular organelles with autophagic functions that are critical for protein degradation and mitochondrial homeostasis, while abnormalities in... (Review)
Review
Lysosomes are acidic intracellular organelles with autophagic functions that are critical for protein degradation and mitochondrial homeostasis, while abnormalities in lysosomal physiological functions are closely associated with neurological disorders. Transmembrane protein 175 (TMEM175), an ion channel in the lysosomal membrane that is essential for maintaining lysosomal acidity, has been proven to coordinate with V-ATPase to modulate the luminal pH of the lysosome to assist the digestion of abnormal proteins and organelles. However, there is considerable controversy about the characteristics of TMEM175. In this review, we introduce the research progress on the structural, modulatory, and functional properties of TMEM175, followed by evidence of its relevance for neurological disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential value of TMEM175 as a therapeutic target in the hope of providing new directions for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Topics: Humans; Ion Channels; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Lysosomes; Autophagy; Potassium Channels
PubMed: 37524211
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106244 -
Cells & Development Jun 2021Cellular processes are initiated and regulated by different stimuli, including mechanical forces. Cell membrane mechanosensors represent the first step towards the... (Review)
Review
Cellular processes are initiated and regulated by different stimuli, including mechanical forces. Cell membrane mechanosensors represent the first step towards the conversion of mechanical stimuli to a biochemical or electrical response. Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels form a growing family of ion gating channels that respond to direct physical force or plasma membrane deformations. A number of calcium (Ca) permeable MS channels are known to regulate the initiation, direction, and persistence of cell migration during development and tumour progression. While the evidence that links individual MS ion channels to cell migration is growing, a unified analysis of the molecular mechanisms regulated downstream of MS ion channel activation is lacking. In this review, we describe the MS ion channel families known to regulate cell migration. We discuss the molecular mechanisms that act downstream of MS ion channels with an emphasis on Ca mediated processes. Finally, we propose the future directions and impact of MS ion channel activity in the field of cell migration.
Topics: Animals; Cell Movement; Focal Adhesions; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Ion Channels; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Models, Biological
PubMed: 33994356
DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203683 -
Physiological Reviews Oct 2012Since the first recordings of single potassium channel activities in the plasma membrane of guard cells more than 25 years ago, patch-clamp studies discovered a variety... (Review)
Review
Since the first recordings of single potassium channel activities in the plasma membrane of guard cells more than 25 years ago, patch-clamp studies discovered a variety of ion channels in all cell types and plant species under inspection. Their properties differed in a cell type- and cell membrane-dependent manner. Guard cells, for which the existence of plant potassium channels was initially documented, advanced to a versatile model system for studying plant ion channel structure, function, and physiology. Interestingly, one of the first identified potassium-channel genes encoding the Shaker-type channel KAT1 was shown to be highly expressed in guard cells. KAT1-type channels from Arabidopsis thaliana and its homologs from other species were found to encode the K(+)-selective inward rectifiers that had already been recorded in early patch-clamp studies with guard cells. Within the genome era, additional Arabidopsis Shaker-type channels appeared. All nine members of the Arabidopsis Shaker family are localized at the plasma membrane, where they either operate as inward rectifiers, outward rectifiers, weak voltage-dependent channels, or electrically silent, but modulatory subunits. The vacuole membrane, in contrast, harbors a set of two-pore K(+) channels. Just very recently, two plant anion channel families of the SLAC/SLAH and ALMT/QUAC type were identified. SLAC1/SLAH3 and QUAC1 are expressed in guard cells and mediate Slow- and Rapid-type anion currents, respectively, that are involved in volume and turgor regulation. Anion channels in guard cells and other plant cells are key targets within often complex signaling networks. Here, the present knowledge is reviewed for the plant ion channel biology. Special emphasis is drawn to the molecular mechanisms of channel regulation, in the context of model systems and in the light of evolution.
Topics: Ion Channels; Ion Transport; Plant Cells; Plants
PubMed: 23073631
DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00038.2011