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M Taglialatela

Publications and source records attributed to M Taglialatela.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Human ether-a-gogo related gene (HERG) K+ channels as pharmacological targets: present and future implications.

Electrophysiological and molecular biology techniques have widely expanded our knowledge of the diverse functions where K+ channels are implicated as potential and proven pharmacological targets. The aim of the present commentary is to review the recent progress in the understanding of the functional role of the K+ channels encoded by the human ether-a-gogo related gene (HERG), with particular emphasis on their direct pharmacological modulation by drugs, or on their regulation by pharmacologically relevant phenomena. About 3 years have passed since the cloning, expression, and description of the pathophysiological role of HERG K+ channels in human cardiac repolarization. Despite this short lapse of time, these K+ channels have already gained considerable attention as pharmacological targets. In fact, interference with HERG K+ channels seems to be the main mechanism explaining both the therapeutic actions of the class III antiarrhythmics and the potential cardiotoxicity of second-generation H1 receptor antagonists such as terfenadine and astemizole, as well as of psychotropic drugs such as some antidepressants and neuroleptics. It seems possible to anticipate that the main tasks for future investigation will be, on the one side, the better understanding of the intimate mechanism of action of HERG K+ channel-blocking drugs in order to elucidate the conditions regulating the delicate balance between antiarrhythmic and proarrhythmic potential and, on the other, to unravel the pathophysiological role of this K+ channel in the function of the brain and of other excitable tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The gene encoding a cationic amino acid transporter (SLC7A4) maps to the region deleted in the velocardiofacial syndrome.

By screening an expressed sequence tag database, we identified a novel human gene, SLC7A4, encoding a solute carrier family 7 [cationic amino acid (CAA) CAT-4 transporter, y+ system] member 4. The SLC7A4 cDNA is 2325 nt long and includes 78, 1911, and 336 nt in the 5' noncoding, coding, and 3'-noncoding regions, respectively. SLC7A4 displays high homology with SLC7A1 and SLC7A2, two previously known CAA transporters. By chromosomal in situ hybridization and YAC identification, SLC7A4 was mapped to 22q11.2, the commonly deleted region of the velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS, Shprintzen syndrome). In a patient affected by VCFS, deletion of SLC7A4 was demonstrated by chromosomal FISH. By Northern analysis, an abundant transcript was detected in brain, testis, and placenta. Microinjection of SLC7A4 mRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrates a significant stimulation of CAA transport.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1998

herg encodes a K+ current highly conserved in tumors of different histogenesis: a selective advantage for cancer cells?

The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (herg) encodes a K+ current (IHERG) that plays a fundamental role in heart excitability by regulating the action potential repolarization (IKr); mutations of this gene are responsible for the chromosome 7-linked long QT syndrome (LQT2). In this report, we show that in a variety (n = 17) of tumor cell lines of different species (human and murine) and distinct histogenesis (neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, adenocarcinoma, lung microcytoma, pituitary tumors, insulinoma beta-cells, and monoblastic leukemia), a novel K+ inward-rectifier current (IIR), which is biophysically and pharmacologically similar to IHERG, can be recorded with the patch-clamp technique. Northern blot experiments with a human herg cDNA probe revealed that both in human and murine clones the very high expression of herg transcripts can be quantified in at least three clearly identifiable bands, suggesting an alternative splicing of HERG mRNA. Moreover, we cloned a cDNA encoding for IIR from the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma. The sequence of this cDNA result was practically identical to that already reported for herg, indicating a high conservation of this gene in tumors. Consistently, the expression of this clone in Xenopus oocytes showed that the encoded K+ channel had substantially all of the biophysical and pharmacological properties of the native IIR described for tumor cells. In addition, in the tumor clones studied, IIR governs the resting potential, whereas it could not be detected either by the patch clamp or the Northern blot techniques in cells obtained from primary cell cultures of parental tissues (sensory neurons and myotubes), whose resting potential is controlled by the classical K+ anomalous rectifier current. This current substitution had a profound impact on the resting potential, which was markedly depolarized in tumors as compared with normal cells. These results suggest that IIR is normally only expressed during the early stages of cell differentiation frozen by neoplastic transformation, playing an important pathophysiological role in the regulatory mechanisms of neoplastic cell survival. In fact, because of its biophysical features, IIR, besides keeping the resting potential within the depolarized values required for unlimited tumor growth, could also appear suitable to afford a selective advantage in an ischemic environment.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Molecular basis for the lack of HERG K+ channel block-related cardiotoxicity by the H1 receptor blocker cetirizine compared with other second-generation antihistamines.

In the current study, the potential blocking ability of K+ channels encoded by the human ether-a-go-go related gene (HERG) by the piperazine H1 receptor antagonist cetirizine has been examined and compared with that of other second-generation antihistamines (astemizole, terfenadine, and loratadine). Cetirizine was completely devoid of any inhibitory action on HERG K+ channels heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes in concentrations up to 30 microM. On the other hand, terfenadine and astemizole effectively blocked HERG K+ channels with nanomolar affinities (the estimated IC50 values were 330 and 480 nM, respectively), whereas loratadine was approximately 300-fold less potent (IC50 approximately 100 microM). In addition, in contrast to terfenadine, cetirizine did not show use-dependent blockade. In SH-SY5Y cells, a human neuroblastoma clone that constitutively expresses K+ currents carried by HERG channels (IHERG), as well as in human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably transfected with HERG cDNA, extracellular perfusion with 3 microM cetirizine did not exert any inhibitory action on IHERG. Astemizole (3 microM), on the other hand, was highly effective. Terfenadine (3 microM) caused a marked (approximately 80%) inhibition of IHERG in SH-SY5Y cells, whereas loratadine, at the same concentration, caused a 40% blockade. Furthermore, the application of cetirizine (3 microM) on the intracellular side of the membrane of HERG-transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells did not affect IHERG, whereas the same intracellular concentration of astemizole caused a complete block. The results of the current study suggest that second-generation antihistamines display marked differences in their ability to block HERG K+ channels. Cetirizine in particular, which possesses more polar and smaller substituent groups attached to the tertiary amine compared with other antihistamines, lacks HERG-blocking properties, possibly explaining the absence of torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmias associated with its therapeutical use.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Regulation of the human ether-a-gogo related gene (HERG) K+ channels by reactive oxygen species.

Human ether-a-gogo related gene (HERG) K+ channels are key elements in the control of cell excitability in both the cardiovascular and the central nervous systems. For this reason, the possible modulation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) of HERG and other cloned K+ channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes has been explored in the present study. Exposure of Xenopus oocytes to an extracellular solution containing FeSO4 (25-100 microM) and ascorbic acid (50-200 microM) (Fe/Asc) increased both malondialdehyde content and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin fluorescence, two indexes of ROS production. Oocyte perfusion with Fe/Asc caused a 50% increase of the outward K+ currents carried by HERG channels, whereas inward currents were not modified. This ROS-induced increase in HERG outward K+ currents was due to a depolarizing shift of the voltage-dependence of channel inactivation, with no change in channel activation. No effect of Fe/Asc was observed on the expressed K+ currents carried by other K+ channels such as bEAG, rDRK1, and mIRK1. Fe/Asc-induced stimulation of HERG outward currents was completely prevented by perfusion of the oocytes with a ROS scavenger mixture (containing 1,000 units/ml catalase, 200 ng/ml superoxide dismutase, and 2 mM mannitol). Furthermore, the scavenger mixture also was able to reduce HERG outward currents in resting conditions by 30%, an effect mimicked by catalase alone. In conclusion, the present results seem to suggest that changes in ROS production can specifically influence K+ currents carried by the HERG channels.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Felbamate inhibits cloned voltage-dependent Na+ channels from human and rat brain.

The novel antiepileptic and neuroprotective drug felbamate (1 mM) caused a marked inhibition of voltage-dependent Na+ currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes upon injection of the cRNA encoding alpha-subunits from rat and human brain. This inhibition was present only if felbamate was perfused on the intracellular side of the membrane. In addition, felbamate seems to preferentially bind to and stabilize the inactivated state of the channel, resembling the action of local anesthetics. This study provides an additional mechanism by which felbamate might exert its wide-spectrum anticonvulsant and neuroprotective action.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Protein-tyrosine kinases activate while protein-tyrosine phosphatases inhibit L-type calcium channel activity in pituitary GH3 cells.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitors on Ca2+ channels in GH3 cells. The activity of Ca2+ channels was monitored either by single-cell microfluorometry or by the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Genistein (20-200 micron) and herbimycin A (1-15 micron) inhibited [Ca2+]i rise induced either by 55 mM K+ or 10 micron Bay K 8644. In addition, genistein and lavendustin A inhibited whole-cell Ba2+ currents. By contrast, daidzein, a genistein analogue devoid of PTK inhibitory properties, did not modify Ca2+ channel activity. The inhibitory action of genistein on the [Ca2+]i increase was completely counteracted by the PTP inhibitor vanadate (100 micron). Furthermore, vanadate alone potentiated -Ca2+-i response to both 55 mM K+ and 10 micron Bay K 8644. The possibility that genistein could decrease the [Ca2+]i elevation by enhancing Ca2+ removal from the cytosol seems unlikely since genistein also reduced the increase in fura-2 fluorescence ratio induced by Ba2+, a cation that enters into the cells through Ca2+ channels but cannot be pumped out by Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms. Finally, in unstimulated GH3 cells, genistein caused a decline of [Ca2+]i and the disappearance of [Ca2+]i oscillations, whereas vanadate induced an increase of [Ca2+]i and the appearance of [Ca2+]i oscillations in otherwise non-oscillating cells. The present results suggest that in GH3 cells PTK activation causes an increase of L-type Ca2+ channel function, whereas PTPs exert an inhibitory role.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1996

Regulation by spermine of native inward rectifier K+ channels in RBL-1 cells.

Polyamines have been shown to participate in the rectification of cloned inwardly rectifying potassium channels, a class of potassium channel proteins that conducts inward current more readily than outward current. Here, basophil leukemia cells were used to determine the effects of polyamines on a native, inwardly rectifying potassium current. Rat basophil leukemia cells were cultured in the presence of two different polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors, and both the electrophysiological properties and the polyamine levels were monitored. Treatment with alpha-difluoromethylornithine, a specific ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, resulted in no significant change of electrophysiological properties. In contrast, treatment with 5'-[(Z)-4-amino-2-butenyl]- methyl-amino-5'-deoxyadenosine (MDL73811), an inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, resulted in increased outward currents through inwardly rectifying potassium channels while intracellular putrescine was markedly increased and spermidine and spermine levels were decreased. Fluctuations of intracellular polyamine concentrations as imposed by MDL73811 were directly translated in an altered cell excitability. Based on these results we conclude that the rectification properties of native inwardly rectifying potassium channels are largely controlled by intracellular spermine.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

C-terminus determinants for Mg2+ and polyamine block of the inward rectifier K+ channel IRK1.

Critical loci for ion conduction in inward rectifier K+ channels are only now being discovered. The C-terminal region of IRK1 plays a crucial role in Mg2+i blockade and single-channel K+ conductance. A negatively charged aspartate in the putative second transmembrane domain (position 172) is essential for time-dependent block by the cytoplasmic polyamines spermine and spermidine. We have now localized the C-terminus effect in IRK1 to a single, negatively charged residue (E224). Mutation of E224 to G, Q and S drastically reduced rectification. Furthermore, the IRK1 E224G mutation decreased block by Mg2+i and spermidine and, like the E224Q mutation, caused a dramatic reduction in the apparent single-channel K+ conductance. The double mutation IRK1 D172N+ E224G was markedly insensitive to spermidine block, displaying an affinity similar to ROMK1. The results are compatible with a model in which the negatively charged residue at position 224, E224, is a major determinant of pore properties in IRK1. By means of a specific interaction with the negatively charged residue at position 172, D172, E224 contributes to the formation of the binding pocket for Mg2+ and polyamines, a characteristic of strong inward rectifiers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of a human and murine gene (CLCN3) sharing similarities to voltage-gated chloride channels and to a yeast integral membrane protein.

We describe the isolation and characterization of a human gene (CLCN3) and its murine homologue (Clcn3) sharing significant sequence and structural similarities with all previously identified members of the voltage-gated chloride channel (ClC) family. This gene is expressed primarily in tissues derived from neuroectoderm. Within the brain, Clcn3 expression is particularly evident in the hippocampus, olfactory cortex, and olfactory bulb. CLCN3 encodes a 760-amino-acid protein that differs by only 2 amino acid residues from the protein encoded by Clcn3. CLCN3 protein also shows a high similarity with GEF1, an integral membrane protein of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae known to be involved in respiration and iron-limited cell growth, and with the predicted protein product of a DNA sequence from the mold Septoria nodorum. This high degree of sequence conservation in very distantly related species such as human and yeast indicates that this gene has retained a fundamental function throughout evolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Pharmacological implications of inward rectifier K+ channels regulation by cytoplasmic polyamines.

The powerful combination of molecular biology and electrophysiology has allowed extraordinary progress in the field of ion channel structure-function. In fact, only 10 years have passed since the first amino acid sequence of a voltage-dependent ion channel, the Na+ channel, was deduced [1], and already the structural domains involved in ion channel permeation, block and gating have been identified in many channel types. Despite this progress, in most cases the correlation between specific domains and ion channel function is still speculative at present, due to the absence of direct structural information [2]. In this review we will describe recent progress in the field of structure-function of one class of K+ channels, the inward rectifiers (IRKs). In particular, we will review the sequences of structure-function experiments which have led to the discovery of a novel regulation of IRKs by cytoplasmic organic polycationic substances like polyamines (PAs). This discovery represents a paradigm for how structure-function information has preceded and made possible the identification of physiological mechanisms of ion channel regulation. Owing to the important role played by IRKs in the regulation of resting membrane potential, a major determinant of cellular transport and volume [3], and to the established link between PAs and cell growth and division, the direct regulation of IRKs by PAs assumes a critical importance for the pharmacological control of cell growth and neoplastic transformation.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Cloning and functional expression of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel from human atrium.

The cardiac inward rectifier current (IK1) contributes to the shape and duration of the cardiac action potential and helps to set the resting membrane potential. Although several inwardly rectifying K+ channels (IRKs) from different tissues have been cloned recently, the nature and number of K+ channels contributing to the cardiac IK1 are presently unknown. To address this issue in human heart, we have used the reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with human atrial total RNA as a template to identify two sequences expressed in heart that are homologous to previously cloned IRKs. One of the PCR products we obtained was virtually identical to IRK1 (cloned from a mouse macrophage cell line); the other, which we named hIRK, exhibited < 70% identity to IRK1. A full-length clone encoding hIRK was isolated from a human atrial cDNA library and functionally expressed in Xenopus oocytes. This channel, like IRK1, exhibited strong inward rectification and was blocked by divalent cations. However, hIRK differed from IRK1 at the single-channel level: hIRK had a single-channel conductance of 36 pS compared with 21 pS for IRK1. We have identified single channels of 41, 35, 21, and 9 pS in recordings from dispersed human atrial myocytes. However, none of these atrial inward rectifiers exhibited single-channel properties exactly like those of cloned hIRK expressed in oocytes. Our findings suggest that the cardiac IK1 in human atrial myocytes is composed of multiple inwardly rectifying channels distinguishable on the basis of single-channel conductance, each of which may be the product of a different gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Cloned human inward rectifier K+ channel as a target for class III methanesulfonanilides.

Methanesulfonanilide derivatives such as dofetilide are members of the widely used Class III group of cardiac antiarrhythmic drugs. A methanesulfonanilide-sensitive cardiac current has been identified as IKr, the rapidly activating component of the repolarizing outward cardiac K+ current, IK. IKr may be encoded by the human ether-related gene (hERG), which belongs to the family of voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels having six putative transmembrane segments. The hERG also expresses an inwardly rectifying, methanesulfonanilide-sensitive K+ current. Here we show that hIRK, a member of the two-transmembrane-segment family of inward K+ rectifiers that we have cloned from human heart, is a target for dofetilide. hIRK currents, expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes, are blocked by dofetilide at submicromolar concentrations (IC50 = 533 nmol/L at 40 mV and 20 degrees C). The drug has no significant blocking effect on the human cardiac Kv channels hKv1.2, hKv1.4, hKv1.5, or hKv2.1. The block is voltage dependent, use dependent, and shortens open times in a manner consistent with open-channel block. While steady state block is strongest at depolarized potentials, recovery from block is very slow even at hyperpolarized potentials (tau = 1.17 seconds at -80 mV). Thus, block of hIRK may persist during diastole and might thereby affect cardiac excitability.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Spermine and spermidine as gating molecules for inward rectifier K+ channels.

Inward rectifier K+ channels pass prominent inward currents, while outward currents are largely blocked. The inward rectification is due to block by intracellular Mg2+ and a Mg(2+)-independent process described as intrinsic gating. The rapid loss of gating upon patch excision suggests that cytoplasmic factors participate in gating. "Intrinsic" gating can be restored in excised patches by nanomolar concentrations of two naturally occurring polyamines, spermine and spermidine. Spermine and spermidine may function as physiological blockers of inward rectifier K+ channels and "intrinsic" gating may largely reflect voltage-dependent block by these cations.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Gating of inwardly rectifying K+ channels localized to a single negatively charged residue.

Inwardly rectifying K+ channels (IRKs) conduct current preferentially in the inward direction. This inward rectification has two components: voltage-dependent blockade by intracellular Mg2+ (Mg2+i) and intrinsic gating. Two members of this channel family, IRK1 (ref. 10) and ROMK1 (ref. 11), differ markedly in affinity for Mg2+i (ref. 12). We found that IRK1 and ROMK1 differ in voltage-dependent gating and searched for the gating structure by large-scale and site-directed mutagenesis. We found that a single amino-acid change within the putative transmembrane domain M2, aspartate (D) in IRK1 to the corresponding asparagine (N) in ROMK1, controls the gating phenotype. Mutation D172N in IRK1 produced ROMK1-like gating whereas the reverse mutation in ROMK1--N171D--produced IRK1-like gating. Thus, a single negatively charged residue seems to be a crucial determinant of gating.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of H5, S6, and H5-S6 exchanges on pore properties of voltage-dependent K+ channels.

Evidence is now substantial that membrane segments besides H5 contribute to the pore of K+ channels. We found that substitution of the H5 region of Shaker B (ShB) with the corresponding sequence of NGK2 expressed channels which retained the single channel K+ conductance (gK+) of the host ShB channel. A reverse chimera with ShB H5 region transplanted into NGK2 also retained the gK+ of the host NGK2. Point mutations V443L+T449Y in ShB H5 converted internal tetraethylammonium (TEA) affinity to NGK2 values, and T449Y converted external TEA affinity and Rb+ conductance (gRb+) to NGK2 values. In ShB, exchanging a short stretch of 9 amino acids located just past the transmembrane segment referred to as S6, post-S6+ produced a large increase in gK+ with no effect on internal or external TEA blockade. Within S6, 3 important residues for internal TEA blockade were identified. Thus, H5 determines external TEA blockade and both H5 and S6 may determine internal TEA blockade, but neither H5 nor S6 alone restored the donor gK+. However, chimeric channels in which H5, S6, and post-S6 were exchanged transferred gK+ of NGK2 to ShB or the gK+ of ShB to NGK2. Thus, contributions from H5, S6, and its cytoplasmic extension post-S6 make the pore of voltage-dependent Shaker K+ channels a polysegmental mosaic structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Specification of pore properties by the carboxyl terminus of inwardly rectifying K+ channels.

Inwardly rectifying potassium (K+) channels (IRKs) maintain the resting membrane potential of cells and permit prolonged depolarization, such as during the cardiac action potential. Inward rectification may result from block of the ion conduction pore by intracellular magnesium (Mgi2+). Two members of this family, IRK1 and ROMK1, which share 40 percent amino acid identity, differ markedly in single-channel K+ conductance and sensitivity to block by Mgi2+. The conserved H5 regions were hypothesized to determine these pore properties because they have this function in voltage-dependent K+ channels and in cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. However, exchange of the H5 region between IRK1 and ROMK1 had no effect on rectification and little or no effect on K+ conductance. By contrast, exchange of the amino- and carboxyl-terminal regions together transferred Mg2+ blockade and K+ conductance of IRK1 to ROMK1. Exchange of the carboxyl but not the amino terminus had a similar effect. Therefore, the carboxyl terminus appears to have a major role in specifying the pore properties of IRKs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗