Four and a half LIM protein 1: a partner for KCNA5 in human atrium.
OBJECTIVE
Protein-protein interactions are critical for the normal membrane trafficking, localization, and function of voltage-gated ion channels. In human heart, the Shaker-related voltage-gated K(+) channel KCNA5 alpha-subunit forms the major basis of an atrial-specific, ultra-rapid delayed rectifier K(+) current, I(Kur). We sought to identify proteins that interact with KCNA5 in human atrium and investigate their role in the I(Kur) complex.


RESULTS
Using a glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-KCNA5 C-terminal fusion protein and mass spectrometry-based methods, the scaffolding protein four and a half LIM (for Lin-11, Isl-1, and Mec3) protein 1 (FHL1) was identified as a potential protein partner for KCNA5. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed a physical interaction of FHL1 with the K(+) channel complex in human atrium, as well as in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with both KCNA5 and FHL1. In cotransfected cells, confocal microscopy demonstrated areas of colocalization after immunolabelling both proteins. To investigate the functional effects of this interaction, K(+) currents were recorded in CHO cells transfected with KCNA5 in the absence and presence of FHL1 coexpression. With coexpression of FHL1, K(+) current density was markedly increased, compared with cells expressing KCNA5 alone. This effect was associated with a shift in the voltage dependence of K(+) channel activation to more positive potentials, consistent with findings of I(Kur) in atrial myocytes. FHL1 also increased the extent and speed of K(+) current slow inactivation, with additional effects on the voltage dependence and recovery of this process.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support a role of FHL1 as a key molecular component in the I(Kur) complex in human atrium, where it likely regulates functional expression of KCNA5.
Yang
Zhenjiang
Z
Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-6602, USA.
Browning
Carrie F
CF
Hallaq
Haifa
H
Yermalitskaya
Liudmila
L
Esker
Jan
J
Hall
Matthew R
MR
Link
Andrew J
AJ
Ham
Amy-Joan L
AJ
McGrath
Meagan J
MJ
Mitchell
Christina A
CA
Murray
Katherine T
KT
D000818:Animals; D016275:Atrial Function; D016466:CHO Cells; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D047468:Immunoprecipitation; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051666:Kv1.5 Potassium Channel / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D009124:Muscle Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014162:Transfection
C101149:FHL1 protein, human; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; C496981:KCNA5 protein, human; D051666:Kv1.5 Potassium Channel; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; D009124:Muscle Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D011188:Potassium