title: KCNE gene expression is dependent on the proliferation and mode of activation of leukocytes.
abstract: Voltage-dependent K (+) (Kv) channels are tightly regulated during the immune system response. Leukocytes have a limited repertoire of Kv channels, whose physiological role is under intense investigation. A functional Kv channel is an oligomeric complex composed of pore-forming and ancillary subunits. The KCNE gene family is a novel group of modulatory Kv channel elements in leukocytes. Here, we characterized the gene expression of KCNEs (1-5) in leukocytes and investigated their regulation during leukocyte proliferation and mode of activation. Murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages, human Jurkat T-lymphocytes and human Raji B-cells were analyzed. KCNEs (1-5) are expressed in all leukocytes lineages. Most KCNE mRNAs show cell cycle-dependent regulation and are differentially regulated under specific insults. Our results further suggest a new and yet undefined physiological role for KCNE subunits in the immune system. Putative associations of these ancillary proteins with Kv channels would yield a wide variety of biophysically and pharmacologically distinct channels that fine-tune the immunological response.
authors: Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular; Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Solé
authors: Albert
authors: A
authors: Vallejo-Gracia
authors: Sara R
authors: SR
authors: Roig
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Serrano-Albarrás
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Marruecos
authors: Joan
authors: J
authors: Manils
authors: Diana
authors: D
authors: Gómez
authors: Concepció
authors: C
authors: Soler
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Felipe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D021122:Protein Subunits
keywords: activation; cell cycle; gene expression; lymphocytes; macrophages; regulatory subunits; voltage-dependent potassium channels