Human myoblast fusion requires expression of functional inward rectifier Kir2.1 channels.
Myoblast fusion is essential to skeletal muscle development and repair. We have demonstrated previously that human myoblasts hyperpolarize, before fusion, through the sequential expression of two K+ channels: an ether-à-go-go and an inward rectifier. This hyperpolarization is a prerequisite for fusion, as it sets the resting membrane potential in a range at which Ca2+ can enter myoblasts and thereby trigger fusion via a window current through alpha1H T channels.
Fischer-Lougheed
J
J
Département de Physiologie et, Centre Médical Universitaire, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Liu
J H
JH
Espinos
E
E
Mordasini
D
D
Bader
C R
CR
Belin
D
D
Bernheim
L
L
D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics); D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007223:Infant; D008561:Membrane Fusion / Q000502:physiology; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D012260:Ribonucleases
D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics); D015221:Potassium Channels; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D012260:Ribonucleases; D011188:Potassium