The long-term goal of this project is to understand the molecular mechanisms that control inactivation of neuronal Kv4 potassium channels. These potassium channels mediate the transient potassium current that is necessary for coding, integration and amplification of electrical signals in the nervous system. Kv4 channels probably utilize novel mechanisms of inactivation, which are distinct from those better known in Shaker potassium channels. Discoveries made during the last funding period are beginning to shed light on the physiological basis of Kv4 inactivation and how novel subunits shape this process.
The specific aims for the next funding period are: (1) To probe conformational changes underlying a prominent pathway of inactivation in Kv4 channels; (2) To map the cytoplasmic moving regions controlling inactivation gating of Kv4 channels; (3) To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying remodeling of Kv4 inactivation by Kv4-specific neuronal calcium sensors (KChlPs);(4) To investigate the molecular determinants of a KChIP domain with unique modulatory properties. Recombinant DNA technology, patch-clamp electrophysiology and thiol-specific reagents are applied to study inactivation of Kv4 channels expressed in heterologous expression systems (e.g., Xenopus oocytes or mammalian cells). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is applied to solve the structure of a putative inactivation domain in Kv4 channels. By investigating these aims, this project may gain insights into the molecular basis of brain functions that depend on the precise timing of electrical signaling, a domain where inactivation gating of Kv4 channels plays its most significant role. Specific areas that may benefit from this research include studies of associative learning and epilepsy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS032337-10
Application #
6701288
Study Section
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurosciences 2 (MDCN)
Program Officer
Stewart, Randall R
Project Start
1993-12-15
Project End
2007-01-31
Budget Start
2004-02-01
Budget End
2005-01-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$345,935
Indirect Cost
Name
Thomas Jefferson University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053284659
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19107
Wang, Guangyu (2017) Mechanistic insight into the heme-independent interplay between iron and carbon monoxide in CFTR and Slo1 BKCa channels. Metallomics 9:634-645
Fineberg, Jeffrey D; Szanto, Tibor G; Panyi, Gyorgy et al. (2016) Closed-state inactivation involving an internal gate in Kv4.1 channels modulates pore blockade by intracellular quaternary ammonium ions. Sci Rep 6:31131
Fineberg, Jeffrey D; Ritter, David M; Covarrubias, Manuel (2012) Modeling-independent elucidation of inactivation pathways in recombinant and native A-type Kv channels. J Gen Physiol 140:513-27
Bahring, Robert; Covarrubias, Manuel (2011) Mechanisms of closed-state inactivation in voltage-gated ion channels. J Physiol 589:461-79
Santiago-Castillo, Jose A De; Covarrubias, Manuel; Sanchez-Rodriguez, Jorge E et al. (2010) Simulating complex ion channel kinetics with IonChannelLab. Channels (Austin) 4:422-8
Dougherty, Kevin; Tu, Liwei; Deutsch, Carol et al. (2009) The dipeptidyl-aminopeptidase-like protein 6 is an integral voltage sensor-interacting beta-subunit of neuronal K(V)4.2 channels. Channels (Austin) 3:122-8
Kaulin, Yuri A; De Santiago-Castillo, José A; Rocha, Carmen A et al. (2009) The dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein DPP6 determines the unitary conductance of neuronal Kv4.2 channels. J Neurosci 29:3242-51
Jerng, Henry H; Dougherty, Kevin; Covarrubias, Manuel et al. (2009) A novel N-terminal motif of dipeptidyl peptidase-like proteins produces rapid inactivation of KV4.2 channels by a pore-blocking mechanism. Channels (Austin) 3:448-61
Schwenk, Jochen; Zolles, Gerd; Kandias, Nikolaos G et al. (2008) NMR analysis of KChIP4a reveals structural basis for control of surface expression of Kv4 channel complexes. J Biol Chem 283:18937-46
Dougherty, Kevin; De Santiago-Castillo, Jose A; Covarrubias, Manuel (2008) Gating charge immobilization in Kv4.2 channels: the basis of closed-state inactivation. J Gen Physiol 131:257-73

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