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Voltage-dependent effects of Ca(2+)/calmodulin on Cl(-) channel in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

S Kawano1, M Hiraoka

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases Medical Research Institute Tokyo Medical and Dental University. seiko.card@mri.tmd.ac.jp

Receptors & Channels
|May 9, 2001
PubMed

Insights

A novel cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum chloride channel transports adenine nucleotides. Its function is modulated by calcium and calmodulin, with voltage-dependent effects observed at negative membrane potentials.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Ion Channel Function
  • Molecular Transport

Background:

  • Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) chloride channels play roles in excitation-contraction coupling.
  • A specific 116 pS Cl(-) channel activated by protein kinase A has been identified in cardiac SR.
  • This channel functions as an adenine nucleotide transporter between the cytosol and SR lumen.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the voltage-dependent gating of the 116 pS Cl(-) channel.
  • To determine the influence of calcium (Ca2+) and calmodulin (CaM) on channel activity.
  • To elucidate the interplay between membrane potential, Ca2+/CaM, and channel gating.

Main Methods:

  • Single-channel recordings using the planar lipid bilayer-vesicle fusion technique.
  • Systematic variation of membrane potentials from -100 mV to +50 mV.
  • Application of varying Ca2+ concentrations (1 nM to 1 mM) and CaM (0.1 microM) to the cis chamber.

Main Results:

  • Channel activity was independent of membrane potential and Ca2+ concentration alone.
  • In the presence of CaM, Ca2+ inhibited channel openings in a concentration-dependent manner at 0 mV.
  • CaM inhibition was voltage-dependent, with reduced blocking effects at negative potentials, suggesting Ca2+/CaM complex interaction with the channel.

Conclusions:

  • The 116 pS cardiac SR chloride channel's gating is not directly voltage-dependent but is modulated by Ca2+/CaM.
  • Ca2+/CaM binding to the channel is influenced by membrane potential, altering its inhibitory effect.
  • This suggests a novel regulatory mechanism for adenine nucleotide transport in the cardiac SR.

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