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A proton-gated cation channel involved in acid-sensing
R Waldmann1, G Champigny, F Bassilana
1Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS, Valbonne, France.
Nature
|March 13, 1997
Summary
Researchers identified a novel acid-sensing ionic channel (ASIC) in sensory neurons. This amiloride-sensitive channel is activated by acid and plays a role in pain and taste signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Acid-sensing is crucial for nociception and taste.
- Acidosis is linked to inflammatory and ischemic pain.
- H+-gated cation channels in sensory neurons are implicated in acid-induced pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize a novel H+-gated channel involved in acid-sensing.
- To investigate the properties and distribution of this newly identified channel.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of the acid-sensing ionic channel (ASIC).
- Heterologous expression and functional characterization of ASIC.
- Biophysical and pharmacological analysis of channel activity.
- Expression analysis in neural tissues.
Main Results:
- Cloned a novel H+-gated channel, ASIC, belonging to the amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel/degenerin family.
- ASIC mediates an amiloride-sensitive cation current (Na+ > Ca2+ > K+) activated by extracellular acidification.
- ASIC's properties align with previously described H+-gated channels in sensory neurons.
- ASIC is expressed in dorsal root ganglia and brain regions.
Conclusions:
- ASIC is a likely candidate for the H+-gated cation channel in sensory neurons mediating acid-induced pain.
- ASIC represents a simple, ligand-gated ion channel with broad distribution.
- This discovery provides a molecular basis for understanding acid-sensing in the nervous system.