Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase:ion pump,signal transducer,or cytoprotective protein,and novel biological functions

Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a transmembrane protein that has important roles in the maintenance of electrochemical gradients across cell membranes by transporting three Na^(+)out of and two K^(+)into cells.Additionally,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase participates in Ca^(2+)-signaling transduction and neurotransmitter release by coordinating the ion concentration gradient across the cell membrane.Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase works synergistically with multiple ion channels in the cell membrane to form a dynamic network of ion homeostatic regulation and affects cellular communication by regulating chemical signals and the ion balance among different types of cells.Therefo re,it is not surprising that Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction has emerged as a risk factor for a variety of neurological diseases.However,published studies have so far only elucidated the important roles of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction in disease development,and we are lacking detailed mechanisms to clarify how Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase affects cell function.Our recent studies revealed that membrane loss of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a key mechanism in many neurological disorders,particularly stroke and Parkinson's disease.Stabilization of plasma membrane Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase with an antibody is a novel strategy to treat these diseases.For this reason,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase acts not only as a simple ion pump but also as a sensor/regulator or cytoprotective protein,participating in signal transduction such as neuronal autophagy and apoptosis,and glial cell migration.Thus,the present review attempts to summarize the novel biological functions of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase and Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related pathogenesis.The potential for novel strategies to treat Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related brain diseases will also be discussed.

Effects of Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K^+ Channel on Protein Kinase C Pathway and Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Asthma

The effects of ATP-sensitive mitochondrial K + channel(mitoK ATP) on mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm),cell proliferation and protein kinase C alpha(PKCα) expression in airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs) were investigated.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were immunized with saline(controls) or ovalbumin(OVA) with alum(asthma models).ASMCs were cultured from the lung of control and asthma rats.ASMCs were treated with diazoxide(the potent activator of mitoK ATP) or 5-hydroxydencanote(5-HD,the inhibitor of mitoK ATP).Rhodamine-123(R-123) was used to detect Δψm.The expression of PKCα protein was examined by using Western blotting,while PKCα mRNA expression was detected by using real-time PCR.The proliferation of ASMCs was measured by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis.In diazoxide-treated normal ASMCs,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and percentage of cells in S phase were markedly increased as compared with untreated controls.The ratio of G 0 /G 1 cells was decreased(P<0.05) in diazoxide-treated ASMCs from normal rats.However,there were no significant differences between the ASMCs from healthy rats treated with 5-HD and the normal control group.In untreated and diazoxide-treated ASMCs of asthmatic rats,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and the percentage of cells in S phase were increased in comparison to the normal control group.Furthermore,in comparison to ASMCs from asthmatic rats,these values were considerably increased in asthmatic group treated with diazoxide(P<0.05).After exposure to 5-HD for 24 h,these values were decreased as compared with asthma control group(P<0.05).In ASMCs of asthma,the signal transduction pathway of PKCα may be involved in cell proliferation,which is induced by the opening of mitoK ATP and the depolarization of Δψm.

Expression levels of K_(ATP)channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation

BACKGROUND ATP sensitive K+(K_(ATP))channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues,including the liver.They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.AIM To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of K_(ATP)channels in radiation injury.METHODS Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed toγ-rays at 0 Gy(control,n=2),0.2 Gy(n=6),1 Gy(n=6),or 5 Gy(n=6).The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation;immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the liver tissue.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the livers exposed to 0.2 Gyγ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h,followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure.Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h.However,the expression of Kir6.2,SUR1,or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.CONCLUSION The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses,suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.

Altered expression of stromal interaction molecule(STIM)-calcium release-activated calcium channel protein(ORAI) and inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP_3Rs)in cancer:will they become a new battlefield for oncotherapy?

The stromal interaction molecule(STIM)-calcium release-activated calcium channel protein(ORAI) and inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP_3Rs) play pivotal roles in the modulation of Ca^(2+)-regulated pathways from gene transcription to cell apoptosis by driving calcium-dependent signaling processes.Increasing evidence has implicated the dysregulation of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs in tumorigenesis and tumor progression.By controlling the activities,structure,and/or expression levels of these Ca^(2+)-transporting proteins,malignant cancer cells can hijack them to drive essential biological functions for tumor development.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying the participation of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs in the biological behavior of cancer remain elusive.In this review,we summarize recent advances regarding STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs and discuss how they promote cell proliferation,apoptosis evasion,and cell migration through temporal and spatial rearrangements in certain types of malignant cells.An understanding of the essential roles of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs may provide new pharmacologic targets that achieve a better therapeutic effect by inhibiting their actions in key intracellular signaling pathways.

Involvement of leak K^+ channels in neurological disorders

TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+(TASK) channels give rise to leak K+ currents which influence the resting membrane potential and input resistance. The wide expression of TASK1 and TASK3 channels in the central nervous system suggests that these channels are critically involved in neurological disorders. It has become apparent in the past decade that TASK channels play critical roles for the development of various neurological disorders. In this review, I describe evidence for their roles in ischemia, epilepsy, learning/memory/cognition and apoptosis.

Voltage-dependent K^+-channel Responses during Activation and Damage in Alveolar Macrophages Induced by Quartz Particles

The roles of voltage-dependent K^＋ channels during activation and damage in alveolar macrophages （AMs） exposed to different silica particles were examined. Rat AMs were collected by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, and were adjusted to 5× 10^5/mL. After AMs were exposed to different concentrations （0, 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/mL） of quartz particles and 100 μg/mL amorphous silica particles for 24 h, the voltage-depended K^＋ current in AMs was measured by using patch clamp technique. Meanwhile the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and the viability of AMs were detected respectively. Patch clamp studies demonstrated that AMs possessed outward delayed and inward rectifying K^＋ current. Exposure to quartz particles increased the outward delayed K^＋ current but it had no effect on inward rectifier K^＋ current in AMs. Neither of the two K^＋ channels in AMs was affected by amorphous silica particles. Cytotoxicity test showed that both silica particles could damage AM membrane and result in significant leakage of LDH （P〈0.05）. MTT studies, however, showed that only quartz particles reduced viability of AMs （P〈0.05）. It is concluded that quartz parti- cles can activate the outward delayed K^＋ channel in AMs, which may act as an activating signal in AMs to initiate an inflammatory response during damage and necrosis in AMs induced by exposure to quartz particle. K^＋ channels do not contribute to the membrane damage of AMs.

Localization of ATP-sensitive K^+ channel subunits in rat liver

BACKGROUND ATP-sensitive K^+(KATP)channels were originally found in cardiac myocytes by Noma in 1983.KATP channels were formed by potassium ion-passing poreforming subunits(Kir6.1,Kir6.2)and regulatory subunits SUR1,SU2A and SUR2B.A number of cells and tissues have been revealed to contain these channels including hepatocytes,but detailed localization of these subunits in different types of liver cells was still uncertain.AIM To investigate the expression of KATP channel subunits in rat liver and their localization in different cells of the liver.METHODS Rabbit anti-rat SUR1 peptide antibody was raised and purified by antigen immunoaffinity column chromatography.Four of Sprague-Dawley rats were used for liver protein extraction for immunoblot analysis,seven of them were used for immunohistochemistry both for the ABC method and immunofluorescence staining.Four of Wistar rats were used for the isolation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and Kupffer cells for both primary culture and immunocytochemistry.RESULTS Immunoblot analysis showed that the five kinds of KATP channel subunits,i.e.Kir6.1,Kir6.2,SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B,were detected in liver.Immunohistochemical staining showed that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 were weakly to moderately expressed in parenchymal cells and sinusoidal lining cells,while SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B were mainly localized to sinusoidal lining cells,such as HSCs,Kupffer cells,and sinusoidal endothelial cells.Immunoreactivity for SUR2A and SUR2B was expressed in the hepatocyte membrane.Double immunofluorescence staining further showed that the pore-forming subunits Kir6.1 and/or Kir6.2 colocalized with GFAP in rat liver sections and primary cultured HSCs.These KATP channel subunits also colocalized with CD68 in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.The SUR subunits colocalized with GFAP in liver sections and colocalized with CD68 both in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.In addition,five KATP channel subunits colocalized with SE-1 in sinusoidal endothelial cells.CONCLUSION Observations from the present study indicated that KATP channel subunits expressed in rat liver and the diversity of KATP channel subunit composition might form different types of KATP channels.This is applicable to hepatocytes,HSCs,various types of Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells.

The Effects of Protein Kinase C (PKC) on the Tension of Normal and Passively Sensitized Human Airway Smooth Muscle and the Activity of Voltage-dependent Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channel (Kv)

The effects of protein kinase C （PKC） on the tension and the activity of voltage-dependent delayed rectifier potassium channel （K,,） were examined in normal and passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle （HASM）, by measuring tones and whole-cell patch clamp techniques, and the Kv activities and membrane potential （Em） were also detected. The results showed that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate （PMA）, a PKC activator, caused a concentration-dependent constriction in normal HASM rings. The constriction of the passively sensitized muscle in asthma serum group was significantly higher than that of the normal group （P〈0.05）, and the constrictions of both groups were completely abolished by PKC inhibitor Ro31-8220 and calcium channel inhibitor nifedipine. Kv activities of HASM cells were significantly inhibited by PMA, and the Em became more positive, as compared with the DMSO （a PMA menstruum）-treated group （P〈0.01）. This effect could be blocked by Ro31-8220 （P〈0.01 ）. It was concluded that activation of PKC could increase the tones of HASM, which might be related to the reduced Kv activity. In passively sensitized HASM rings, this effect was more notable.

Curcumin up-regulates B K channel by inhibition of protein degradation and activation of an ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Aim Large conductance Ca2^＋ -activated potassium channel （BK） , expressed in the distal nephron, me- diates potassium secretion. Loss-of-function of renal BK channel is closely related with aldosteronism resulting from renal potassium retention and hyperkalemia. Natural products affecting BK functions are still scarce, especially ac- tivators. Here, the pharmacological characterization of curcumin, one of the compounds isolated from the herb Cur- cuma longa. , on B K channels have been investigated. Methods B K currents were recorded by whole-cell patch- clamp, mRNA expressions of BK were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The surface and total protein ex- pressions of B K were assessed by surface biotinylation and Western blot. Functional study was performed on aortic rings. Results Curcumin potently increased B K currents in transfected HEK293 cells as well as the current densi- ty in A7r5 cells （ endogenous expressed BK （ α ＋ β1） channels） with ECs0 - （6.76 ± 2.24） μmol · L^-1 and （7.19 ± 0.07） μmol · L^-1, respectively. Curcumin up-regulated B K protein abundance without affecting its mR- NA expression in A7r5 cells. Surface expression and half-life of B K channels were increased by curcumin in HEK293 cells, which were abolished by MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor. Simultaneously, ERK 1/2 phosphoryla- tion was also increased by curcumin. U0126, an inhibitor of ERK, attenuate the curcumin-induced up-regulation of BK protein level. Curcumin-induced relaxation in isolated rat aortic rings was significantly attenuated by paxilline, a BK channel specific blocker. Conclusion Curcumin increased BK currents and protein abundance by inhibiting proteasomal degradation and activating ERK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that curcumin is a potential BK channel activator and provide novel insight into its complicated pharmacological effects and mechanisms.

Arsenic exposure decreases rhythmic contractions of vascular tone through sodium transporters and K^+ channels

Arsenic-contaminated drinking water is a public health problem in countries such as Taiwan, Bangladesh, United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. The chronic ingestion of arsenic-contaminated drinking water increases the risk for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and prevalence of hypertension. Although toxic arsenic effects are controversial, there is evidence that a high concentration of arsenic may induce hypertension through increase in vascular tone and resistance. Vascular tone is regulated by the rhythmic contractions of the blood vessels, generated by calcium oscillations in the cytosol of vascular smooth muscle cells. To regulate the cytosolic calcium oscillations, the membrane oscillator model involves the participation of Ca2+ channels, calcium-activated K+ channels, Na+/Ca2+exchange, plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, and the Na+/K+-ATPase. However, little is known about the role of K+ uptake by sodium transporters [Na+/K+-ATPase or Na+-K+-2Cl-(NKCC1)] on the rhythmic contractions.Vascular rhythmic contractions, or vasomotion are a local mechanism to regulate vascular resistance andblood flow. Since vascular rhythmic contractions of blood vessels are involved in modulating the vascular resistance, the blood flow, and the systemic pressure,we suggest a model explaining the participation of the sodium pump and NKCC1 co-transporter in low dose arsenic exposure effects on vasomotion and vascular dysfunction.

Identification of Three Interactions to Determine the Conformation Change and to Maintain the Function of Kir2.1 Channel Protein

We find that a conserved mutation residue Glu to residue Asp （E303D）, which both have the same polar and charged properties, makes Kit2.1 protein lose its function. To understand the mechanism, we identify three interactions which control the conformation change and maintain the function of the Kit2.1 protein by combining homology modeling and molecular dynamics with targeted molecular dynamics. We find that the E303D mutation weakens these interactions and results in the loss of the related function. Our data indicate that not only the amino residues but also the interactions determine the function of proteins.

Effect of G_(αq/11) Protein and ATP-sensitive Potassium Channels on Ischemic Preconditioning in Rat Hearts

Objectives To investigate the effect of Gαq/11 signaling pathway and ATP-sensitive potassium channel ( KATP channel ) on ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protection in rat hearts. Methods Two series of experiments were performed in Wistar rat hearts. In the first series of experiment, ischemic preconditioning was induced by left anterior descending occlusion (three, 5 min episodes separated by 5 min of reperfusion), ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 90 min reperfusion. Hemodynamics, infarct size and scores of ventricular arrhythmias were measured. The expression of Gαq/11 protein in the heart was measured by Western blot analysis in the second series. Results Ischemic preconditioning rats showed decreased infarct size and scores of ventricular arrhythmia vs non-IP control rats. The effect of IPC was significantly attenuated by glibenclamide (1 mg/kg, ip), a nonselective KATP channel inhibitor. IPC caused a significant increase in the expression of Gαq/11 protein. Conclusions Activations of Gαq/11 signal pathway and KATP channel played significant roles in the classical cardioprotection of ischemic precon-ditioning rat heart and might be an important mechanism of signal transduction pathway during the ischemic preconditioning.

斑点叉尾鮰ZBTB38的原核表达、多克隆抗体制备及应用

为获得斑点叉尾鮰(Ictalurus punctatus)ZBTB38的多克隆抗体,并研究其在性腺中的表达情况,将斑点叉尾鮰zbtb38基因部分序列经密码子优化后连接至pET32a(+)载体,构建重组质粒pET32a(+)-zbtb38,再转入大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli)感受态细胞BL21(DE3)中诱导表达,通过十二烷基硫酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(SDS-PAGE)、免疫印迹(Western blot)和液相色谱-质谱联用(LC-MS)等技术进行鉴定。用纯化后的重组蛋白制备兔抗斑点叉尾鮰ZBTB38多克隆抗体,通过酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)和Western blot技术检测抗体效价及其特异性,最后采用Western blot方法检测ZBTB38在性腺中的表达情况,并使用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术对检测结果进行验证。结果表明,制备的兔抗斑点叉尾鮰ZBTB38多克隆抗体效价可达1:(5.12×10^(5)),能够特异性识别斑点叉尾鮰性腺组织中表达的ZBTB38蛋白,其中精巢组织中的表达水平显著高于卵巢,Western blot与qRT-PCR检测结果较为一致。综上所述,研究成功制备了斑点叉尾鮰ZBTB38的多克隆抗体,为下一步深入研究斑点叉尾鮰zbtb38基因的功能奠定了基础。

筇竹钾离子通道QtSKOR1基因的克隆及表达分析

【目的】外向整流型钾离子通道SKOR(Stelar K+outward rectifier)家族是参与植物钾离子转运和分配的重要通道,且K+在植物生理过程和响应非生物胁迫中有决定性作用。旨在研究外向整流型钾离子通道SKOR在富含钾元素的筇竹(Qiongzhuea tumidinoda)发育及受到盐胁迫过程中的功能。【方法】利用RACE技术从筇竹的幼苗中获得SKOR基因并命名为QtSKOR1(基因号:MT078984),并对其进行生物信息分析及表达特征分析。【结果】QtSKOR1基因开放阅读框(1923 bp)编码了641个氨基酸。QtSKOR1蛋白存在环核苷酸(cNMP)和锚蛋白重复结构域(ANK)属于Shake亚家族,其相对分子质量为157.27 kD,理论等电点为4.94,含有3个跨膜区但不存在信号肽,属于疏水性蛋白。亚细胞定位分析表明QtSKOR1蛋白主要定位于线粒体(30.4%)和细胞质(26.1%)中。同源分析和进化分析显示,QtSKOR1与二穗短柄草(Brachypodium distachyum)和玉米(Zea mays)的同源性较高,分别为89.06%和87.91%。qPCR结果显示,QtSKOR1基因在筇竹所有组织中均有表达,且表达量从高到低依次为叶、根、茎、笋。与对照相比,随着钾胁迫时间的增加,QtSKOR1的表达量在根中显著增加,而在茎叶中显著降低。随着钠胁迫时间的增加,QtSKOR1的表达量在根茎叶中均呈下降趋势。【结论】QtSKOR1基因属于Shake亚家族,均参与了筇竹各个组织特别是叶的钾运输。同时,在钾胁迫下QtSKOR1基因在根中发挥了积极作用。

中华大节竹K^+通道蛋白β亚基的克隆及序列分析

用RACE法从中华大节竹幼苗中克隆了K+通道蛋白β亚基,命名为KIB1(基因登录号:JX900132)。序列分析表明,该基因全长1 211 bp,开放读码框为987 bp,编码329个氨基酸多肽。经氨基酸同源性和聚类分析证实,KIB1与拟南芥(KAB1)和水稻(KOB1)钾离子通道蛋白的序列同源性较高,其同源性分别为85.06%和82.32%。亚细胞定位结果表明,该蛋白主要存在于线粒体中(86.1%)。

棉籽蛋白替代鱼粉对斑点叉尾鮰生长性能、饲料利用和肠道组织结构的影响

试验旨在研究棉籽蛋白替代鱼粉对斑点叉尾鮰生长性能、饲料利用率和肠道组织结构的影响。设计鱼粉含量为100 g/kg的基础饲料,用棉籽蛋白分别替代基础饲料中0、20%、40%、60%、80%和100%的鱼粉配制成6组等蛋白饲料(D1、D2、D3、D4、D5组和D6组),饲养初始平均体重为(171±1)g的斑点叉尾鮰67 d。结果表明:与D1组相比,D5组和D6组的末均重和增重率显著降低,饲料系数显著增加(P<0.05);D3组、D5组和D6组的肝体比显著低于D1组(P<0.05);D6组肌肉粗蛋白含量显著高于D1组(P<0.05);各组斑点叉尾鮰存活率、肥满度、脏体比和肌肉的水分、粗脂肪和粗灰分含量均无显著差异(P>0.05);当棉籽蛋白100%替代鱼粉比例时,饲料的干物质表观消化率和蛋白质表观消化率显著下降(P<0.05),各组之间的脂肪表观消化率无显著差异(P>0.05);在肠道组织学中,棉籽蛋白替代鱼粉对肠道的绒毛高度和肌层厚度无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,在鱼粉含量为100 g/kg的基础饲料中,棉籽蛋白可以有效替代60%的鱼粉不会影响斑点叉尾鮰的生长性能、饲料利用和肠道组织结构。

酶解棉籽蛋白替代鱼粉及添加单宁酸对斑点叉尾鮰生长性能和肠道健康的影响

试验研究了酶解棉籽蛋白替代鱼粉及添加单宁酸对斑点叉尾鮰(Ictalurus punctatus)生长性能和肠道健康的影响。设计鱼粉含量为10%的基础饲料,用酶解棉籽蛋白分别替代基础饲料中33.3%、66.6%和100%的鱼粉,并在100%替代组的基础上添加0.5 g/kg和1 g/kg的单宁酸,配制成6组等蛋白饲料(D1、D2、D3、D4、D5组和D6组),饲养初始平均体重为(172.6±1.6)g的斑点叉尾鮰67 d。结果表明:D4、D5和D6组的末体重和增重率较D1组显著下降(P<0.05),D4和D6组的饵料系数较D1组显著增加(P<0.05)。各组斑点叉尾鮰存活率、肥满度、肝体比、脏体比和肌肉常规成分组成均无显著差异(P>0.05)。斑点叉尾鮰后肠肠道微生物群落的优势菌群包括厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)、拟杆菌门(Bacteroidota)、变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和梭杆菌门(Fusobacteria)。对比不同处理组发现,D4组的拟杆菌门相对丰度显著低于D5组(P<0.05),D4组的变形菌门相对丰度显著高于D1、D2和D5组(P<0.05)。各组斑点叉尾鮰肠道的组织结构和微生物多样性无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,在鱼粉含量为10%的基础饲料中,酶解棉籽蛋白可以有效替代66.6%的鱼粉而不会对斑点叉尾鮰的生长性能和肠道健康产生负面影响,0.5 g/kg单宁酸能有效改善无鱼粉组斑点叉尾鮰的肠道微生物群落组成,但对生长性能没有提升效果。

Involvement of Calcium dependent Protein Kinases in ABA regulation of Stomatal Movement

Patch clamp techniques were employed to investigate if calcium dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) be involved in the signal transduction pathways of stomatal movement regulation by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in Vicia faba. Stomatal opening was completely inhibited by external application of 1 μmol/L ABA, and such ABA inhibition was significantly reversed by the addition of CDPK inhibitor trifluoperazine (TFP). The inward whole cell K + currents were inhibited by 60% in the presence of 1 μmol/L intracellular ABA, and this inhibition was completely abolished by the addition of CDPK competitive substrate histone Ⅲ S. The results suggest that CDPKs may be involved in the signal transduction cascades of ABA regulated stomatal movements.

Roles of TRESK,a novel two-pore domain K+channel,in pain pathway and general anesthesia

TRESK is the most recently reported two-pore domain K^＋ channel, and different from other two-pore domain channels in gene, molecular structure, electrophysiological and pharmacological properties. Although the current knowledge of this potassium channel is inadequate, researches have demonstrated that TRESK is remarkablely linked to acute and chronic pain by activation of calcineurin. The fact that TRESK is sensitive to volatile anesthetics and localization in central nerve system implies that TRESK may play a very important role in the mechanism mediating general anesthesia. The further research of TRESK may contribute to explore the underlying mechanism of some pathological conditions and yield novel treatments for some diseases.

植物钾(K^+)离子通道的研究

钾在植物生长发育过程中具有许多重要的作用,钾离子通道是植物吸收钾离子的重要途径之一,根据结构和功能的不同钾离子通道可分为Shaker家族通道、KCO通道、其他通道。对上述植物钾离子通道蛋白的生化特性以及结构功能及相关基因研究的进展进行了详细的综述。