Cross-talk between the mechano-gated K2P channel TREK-1 and the actin cytoskeleton

EMBO Rep. 2005 Jul;6(7):642-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400449.

Abstract

TREK-1 (KCNK2) is a K(2P) channel that is highly expressed in fetal neurons. This K(+) channel is opened by a variety of stimuli, including membrane stretch and cellular lipids. Here, we show that the expression of TREK-1 markedly alters the cytoskeletal network and induces the formation of actin- and ezrin-rich membrane protrusions. The genetic inactivation of TREK-1 significantly alters the growth cone morphology of cultured embryonic striatal neurons. Cytoskeleton remodelling is crucially dependent on the protein kinase A phosphorylation site S333 and the interactive proton sensor E306, but is independent of channel permeation. Conversely, the actin cytoskeleton tonically represses TREK-1 mechano-sensitivity. Thus, the dialogue between TREK-1 and the actin cytoskeleton might influence both synaptogenesis and neuronal electrogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Silencing
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mutation
  • Neurons / chemistry
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / analysis
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / genetics
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / metabolism*
  • Pseudopodia / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Actins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain
  • ezrin
  • potassium channel protein TREK-1
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases