Neurotransmitter modulation of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels by regulation of Ca2+ gating

Neuron. 2008 Aug 14;59(3):439-49. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.05.026.

Abstract

Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels are widely expressed in neuronal tissues where they underlie post-spike hyperpolarizations, regulate spike-frequency adaptation, and shape synaptic responses. SK channels constitutively interact with calmodulin (CaM), which serves as Ca2+ sensor, and with protein kinase CK2 and protein phosphatase 2A, which modulate their Ca2+ gating. By recording coupled activities of Ca2+ and SK2 channels, we showed that SK2 channels can be inhibited by neurotransmitters independently of changes in the activity of the priming Ca2+ channels. This inhibition involvesSK2-associated CK2 and results from a 3-fold reduction in the Ca2+ sensitivity of channel gating. CK2phosphorylated SK2-bound CaM but not KCNQ2-bound CaM, thereby selectively regulating SK2 channels. We extended these observations to sensory neurons by showing that noradrenaline inhibits SK current and increases neuronal excitability in aCK2-dependent fashion. Hence, neurotransmitter-initiated signaling cascades can dynamically regulate Ca2+ sensitivity of SK channels and directly influence somatic excitability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Apamin / pharmacology
  • Autoradiography / methods
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type / physiology
  • Calmodulin
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Drug Interactions
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
  • Ion Channel Gating / drug effects
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology*
  • Ion Channel Gating / radiation effects
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology*
  • Membrane Potentials / radiation effects
  • Microinjections / methods
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology*
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction
  • Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / physiology*
  • Superior Cervical Ganglion / cytology

Substances

  • Cacna1b protein, rat
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type
  • Calmodulin
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
  • Apamin
  • Calcium