Abstract
The actin-binding protein Kelch-like 1 (KLHL1) can modulate voltage-gated calcium channels in vitro. KLHL1 interacts with actin and with the pore-forming subunits of Cav2.1 and CaV3.2 calcium channels, resulting in up-regulation of P/Q and T-type current density. Here we tested whether endogenous KLHL1 modulates voltage gated calcium currents in cultured hippocampal neurons by down-regulating the expression of KLHL1 via adenoviral delivery of shRNA targeted against KLHL1 (shKLHL1). Control adenoviruses did not affect any of the neuronal properties measured, yet down-regulation of KLHL1 resulted in HVA current densities ~68% smaller and LVA current densities 44% smaller than uninfected controls, with a concomitant reduction in α1A and α1H protein levels. Biophysical analysis and western blot experiments suggest CaV3.1 and 3.3 currents are also present in shKLHL1-infected neurons. Synapsin I levels, miniature postsynaptic current frequency, and excitatory and inhibitory synapse number were reduced in KLHL1 knockdown. This study corroborates the physiological role of KLHL1 as a calcium channel modulator and demonstrates a novel, presynaptic role.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 269-280 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Cell Calcium |
Volume | 55 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2014 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We thank all members of the Piedras laboratory for helpful comments and discussions. This paper is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant no. 1022075 (EPR).
Keywords
- ATXN8OS
- Actin-binding protein
- HVA calcium current
- LVA calcium currents
- P/Q-type channel
- Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8
- Synaptic
- T-type channel