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Casein kinase ii (protein kinase ck2) regulates serotonin 5-ht(3) receptor channel function in ng108-15 cells

S Jones1, J L Yakel

  • 1Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, P.O. Box 12233, 27709, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.

Neuroscience
|June 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Protein kinase CK2 enhances serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor function. This enzyme increases the amplitude and slows the desensitization of 5-HT(3) receptor channels, suggesting a key regulatory role in the nervous system.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Physiology

Background:

  • The serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor (5-HT(3)R) is a ligand-gated ion channel crucial for neurotransmission.
  • Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase implicated in various cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the modulatory effect of protein kinase CK2 on the function of the serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor channel.
  • To determine if CK2 influences the amplitude and desensitization kinetics of 5-HT(3)R-mediated currents.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques were employed in the NG108-15 cell line.
  • Internal dialysis of cells with active or heat-inactivated protein kinase CK2 was performed via patch pipettes.
  • Rapid application of serotonin (5-HT) was used to elicit and measure 5-HT(3)R-mediated currents.

Main Results:

  • Internal dialysis with active CK2 significantly increased the amplitude of 5-HT(3)R-mediated inward currents.
  • Active CK2 significantly decreased the rate of desensitization of these currents.
  • Heat-inactivated CK2 had no significant effect on current amplitude or desensitization kinetics, indicating the enzymatic activity of CK2 is required.

Conclusions:

  • Protein kinase CK2 significantly enhances the function of the serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor channel.
  • CK2 may act as a critical regulator of 5-HT(3)R activity in the nervous system.
  • CK2 could facilitate 5-HT-induced cellular excitation by modulating 5-HT(3)R function.

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