Co-Expression of TWIK-Related Acid-Sensitive K⁺ Channel 1 (TASK-1/KCNK3) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor...

Background/Objectives: Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is a receptor involved in cell growth and differentiation, with unclear roles in ovarian tissues and potential interactions with KCNK3 (potassium two-pore domain channel subfamily K member 3), a member of the two-pore domain K⁺ channel involved in cellular homeostasis. This study aims to map PDGFRα expression across mouse tissues and to explore its co-expression with KCNK3 in the ovary. Methods: We visualized PDGFRα expression using RNA-seq data from the genotype-tissue expression (GTEx) BodyMAP across 54 human tissues and Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) data for various mouse tissues. In PDGFRα^EGFP mice expressing EGFP in PDGFRα⁺ cells, histological and fluorescence imaging were used to assess ovarian expression. Immunohistochemistry determined the co-localization of PDGFRα and KCNK3, and qPCR quantified their mRNA levels in the ovary, oviduct, and uterus. Results: PDGFRα showed high expression in human and mouse female reproductive tissues, particularly the ovary. In the PDGFRα^EGFP mouse model, PDGFRα was primarily found in the thecal layer and stromal cells, not in granulosa cells or oocytes. Immunohistochemistry indicated that 90.2 ± 8.7% of PDGFRα⁺ cells expressed KCNK3 in the ovarian stroma. qPCR revealed lower PDGFRα and KCNK3 expression in the ovary compared to the oviduct and uterus. Conclusions: This study shows that PDGFRα is predominantly expressed in ovarian stromal and theca cells and is highly co-localized with KCNK3, suggesting a potential role for PDGFRα⁺ cells in ionic regulation and their possible involvement in follicular development and ovarian physiology.