Expression of Ion Channels in Perivascular Stem Cells derived from Human Umbilical Cords

Potassium channels, the largest group of pore proteins, selectively regulate the flow of potassium (K⁺) ions across cell membranes. The activity and expression of K⁺ channels are critical for the maintenance of normal functions in vessels and neurons, and for the regulation of cell differentiation and maturation. However, their role and expression in stem cells have been poorly understood. In this study, we isolated perivascular stem cells (PVCs) from human umbilical cords and investigated the expression patterns of big-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) and voltage-dependent K⁺ (K_v) channels using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We also examined the effect of high glucose (HG, 25 mM) on expression levels of BK_Ca and K_v channels in PVCs. K_Ca1.1, K_Caβ₃, K_v1.3, K_v3.2, and K_v6.1 were detected in undifferentiated PVCs. In addition, HG treatment increased the amounts of BK_Caβ_3a, BK_Caβ₄, K_v1.3, K_v1.6, and K_v6.1 transcripts. These results suggested that ion channels may have important functions in the growth and differentiation of PVCs, which could be influenced by HG exposure.