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Chloride channels in the nuclear membrane
L Tabares1, M Mazzanti, D E Clapham
1Department of Pharmacology, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
The Journal of Membrane Biology
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Researchers identified two novel chloride channels in rat liver nuclei using patch-clamp methods. These nuclear chloride channels may play a role in regulating calcium in the perinuclear space.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Ion Channel Physiology
- Nuclear Transport
Background:
- The nuclear envelope regulates molecular traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Ion channels in the nuclear envelope are implicated in nuclear function but remain poorly characterized.
- Understanding nuclear ion transport is crucial for comprehending cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize chloride-selective ion channels in isolated rat liver nuclei.
- To investigate the properties and potential function of these nuclear chloride channels.
Main Methods:
- Patch-clamp technique applied to isolated rat liver nuclei.
- Recording of single ion channel currents in nuclear-attached and excised inside-out patches.
- Pharmacological characterization of identified channels.
Main Results:
- Two distinct chloride conductances were identified: a large conductance (150 pS; iCl,N) channel with complex kinetics and a smaller conductance (58 pS; ICln) channel sensitive to ATP block.
- Both channels were inhibited by known chloride channel blockers.
- Channel activity was independent of intracellular and extracellular calcium and magnesium concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Rat liver nuclei possess at least two types of chloride channels, iCl,N and ICln.
- These channels are likely located in the outer nuclear membrane.
- They may contribute to charge balance during calcium flux between the nucleus and the perinuclear space.