Genetic dissection reveals unexpected influence of beta subunits on KCNQ1 K+ channel polarized trafficking in vivo

FASEB J. 2011 Feb;25(2):727-36. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-173682. Epub 2010 Nov 17.

Abstract

Targeted deletion of the Kcne2 potassium channel β subunit gene ablates gastric acid secretion and predisposes to gastric neoplasia in mice. Here, we discovered that Kcne2 deletion basolaterally reroutes the Kcnq1 α subunit in vivo in parietal cells (PCs), in which the normally apical location of the Kcnq1-Kcne2 channel facilitates its essential role in gastric acid secretion. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that Kcne2 deletion remodeled fundic Kcne3 (2.9±0.8-fold mRNA increase, n=10; 5.3±0.4-fold protein increase, n=7) but not Kcne1, 4, or 5, and resulted in basolateral Kcnq1-Kcne3 complex formation in Kcne2(-/-) PCs. Concomitant targeted deletion of Kcne3 (creating Kcne2(-/-)Kcne3(-/-) mice) restored PC apical Kcnq1 localization without Kcne1, 4, or 5 remodeling (assessed by quantitative RT-PCR; n=5-10), indicating Kcne3 actively, basolaterally rerouted Kcnq1 in Kcne2(-/-) PCs. Despite this, Kcne3 deletion exacerbated gastric hyperplasia in Kcne2(-/-) mice, and both hypochlorhydria and hyperplasia in Kcne2(+/-) mice, suggesting that Kcne3 up-regulation was beneficial in Kcne2-depleted PCs. The findings reveal, in vivo, Kcne-dependent α subunit polarized trafficking and the existence and consequences of potassium channel β subunit remodeling.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Hyperplasia / genetics
  • Hyperplasia / pathology
  • KCNQ1 Potassium Channel / genetics
  • KCNQ1 Potassium Channel / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Parietal Cells, Gastric / metabolism
  • Protein Subunits
  • Protein Transport / physiology*
  • Stomach / pathology
  • Stomach Diseases / genetics
  • Stomach Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • KCNQ1 Potassium Channel
  • Protein Subunits