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BK Channels in the Vertebrate Inner Ear
1University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
International Review of Neurobiology
|May 31, 2016
Summary
Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are crucial for auditory frequency processing in vertebrates. Their density and kinetics in nonmammalian ears enable electrical tuning, while they also support mammalian auditory signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Physiology
- Ion Channel Biology
Background:
- Complex acoustic stimuli are processed by deconstructing sound into frequency components, primarily in the inner ear.
- Vertebrates utilize distinct strategies for spectral processing: intrinsic electrical tuning in nonmammalian hair cells and extrinsic mechanical tuning in mammalian cochlear ducts.
- Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are implicated in both strategies, playing roles in auditory signaling and protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical localization, biophysical properties, and functional roles of BK channels in the vertebrate inner ear.
- To highlight areas for future research on BK channels and auditory signal processing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on BK channels in the vertebrate inner ear.
- Analysis of anatomical, biophysical, and functional data related to BK channel expression and function.
- Synthesis of current understanding to identify research gaps.
Main Results:
- Nonmammalian hair cells use BK channels and voltage-gated calcium channels for intrinsic electrical tuning, with varying BK channel density and kinetics creating a frequency-coding gradient.
- Mammalian hair cells, though extrinsically tuned, also express BK channels essential for auditory signaling, development, and trauma protection.
- BK channels are vital for auditory frequency perception across vertebrate lineages.
Conclusions:
- BK channels are fundamental to auditory frequency processing in the inner ear, employing different mechanisms in mammals and nonmammals.
- Continued investigation of BK channels offers insights into both channel biophysics and auditory signal processing mechanisms.
- Understanding BK channel roles is key to advancing auditory neuroscience and developing therapeutic strategies for hearing disorders.
Keywords:
Auditory sensory epitheliumAuditory threshold shiftsBKBK(Ca)CharybdotoxinChickenCochleaElectrical tuningFrequency tuningFrogGuinea pigHair cellsIberiotoxinK(Ca)1.1KCNMA1KCNMB1KCNMB2KCNMB3KCNMB4LRRC26LRRC52LRRC55LRRC58MaxiKMouseNoise-induced hearing lossOlivocochlear efferent innervationOrgan of CortiPlace codeRatRibbon active zoneSK channelsSlo1Spiral ganglion cellsSynapseTetraethylammoniumTonotopyTurtleVoltage-gated calcium channels
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