title: The small conductance K+ channel, KCNQ1: expression, function, and subunit composition in murine trachea.
abstract: The gene KCNQ1 encodes a K(+) channel alpha-subunit important for cardiac repolarization, formerly known as K(v)LQT1. In large and small intestine a channel complex consisting of KCNQ1 and the beta-subunit KCNE3 (MiRP2) is known to mediate the cAMP-activated basolateral K(+) current, which is essential for luminal Cl(-) secretion. Northern blot experiments revealed an expression of both subunits in lung tissue. However, previous reports suggested a role of KCNE1 (minK, Isk) but not KCNE3 in airway epithelial cells. Here we give evidence that KCNE1 is not detected in murine tracheal epithelial cells and that Cl(-) secretion by these cells is not reduced by the knock-out of the KCNE1 gene. In contrast we show that a complex consisting of KCNQ1 and KCNE3 probably forms a basolateral K(+) channel in murine tracheal epithelial cells. As described for colonic epithelium, the current through KCNQ1 complexes in murine trachea is specifically inhibited by the chromanol 293B. A 293B-sensitive current was present after stimulation with forskolin and agonists that increase Ca(2+) as well as after administration of the pharmacological K(+) channel activator, 1-EBIO. A 293B-inhibitable current was already present under control conditions and reduced after administration of amiloride indicating a role of this K(+) channel not only for Cl(-) secretion but also for Na(+) reabsorption. We conclude that at least in mice a KCNQ1 channel complex seems to be the dominant basolateral K(+) conductance in tracheal epithelial cells.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physiology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Hermann-Herder-Strabetae 7, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grahammer
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Warth
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barhanin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bleich
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hug
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D051656:KCNQ Potassium Channels; D051657:KCNQ1 Potassium Channel; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D021122:Protein Subunits; D014132:Trachea / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D002712:Chlorides; D007211:Indoles; D051656:KCNQ Potassium Channels; D051657:KCNQ1 Potassium Channel; C496910:Kcnq1 protein, mouse; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D021122:Protein Subunits; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D002118:Calcium; C000543:cyclopiazonic acid