Postranslational Modification of Ion Channels in Colonic Inflammation

Voltage-gated ion channels are key regulators of cell excitability. There is significant evidence that these channels are subject to modulation by redox status of the cells. Here we review the post-translational modifications of ion channels that occur in colonic inflammation. The redox mechanisms involve tyrosine nitration, covalent modification of cysteine residues and sulfhydration by hydrogen sulfide in experimental colitis. In the setting of colonic inflammation, modifications of cysteine and tyrosine are likely to occur at several sites within the same channel complex. In this review we describe alterations in channel function due to specific modifications of tyrosine and cysteine residues by reactive nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen-sulfide resulting in altered motility.