PMID: 9526005Apr 29, 1998Paper

The expression of two splice variants of the Kv3.1 potassium channel gene is regulated by different signaling pathways

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
S J Liu, L K Kaczmarek

Abstract

The Kv3.1 potassium channel gene gives rise to two different channel proteins, Kv3.1a and Kv3.1b, by alternative splicing of nuclear RNA. During development the levels of Kv3.1b mRNA (but not Kv3.1a) substantially increase in rat cerebellum after postnatal day 8. The molecular mechanism underlying the differential regulation of the two transcripts is not known. Using in vitro slices of cerebellum, we have found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) upregulates both Kv3.1a and Kv3.1b at this developmental stage, but that depolarization by elevated potassium concentrations is without effect. Combined treatment with bFGF and depolarization, however, prevents the increase in Kv3.1a transcripts and selectively increases Kv3.1b mRNA levels. A protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor blocks the increase in Kv3.1a mRNA levels induced by bFGF alone but does not affect the increase in Kv3.1b mRNA. Measurement of nuclear protein kinase C activity shows that bFGF activates this enzyme and that depolarization blocks this activation. In contrast to these findings at postnatal day 8, bFGF fails to alter Kv3.1 transcripts in slices from adult animals, and PKC activity is enhanced rather than suppressed by depolarization. Our results indicate that...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.