Co-localization of the alpha-subunit of BK-channels and c-PLA2 in GH3 cells

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Nov 10;350(1):39-49. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.08.193. Epub 2006 Sep 14.

Abstract

Large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels (maxi K- or BK-channels) can be regulated by arachidonic acid produced by c-Phospholipase A2 (c-PLA2). Since in every excised patch from GH3 cells where there was BK-channel activity, treatment with either a stimulator or inhibitor of c-PLA2 resulted in a corresponding increase or decrease in BK-channel activity, we hypothesized that there must be a close association between BK-channel proteins and c-PLA2 in the cell membrane. To test this hypothesis, we first determined whether the two proteins would co-immunoprecipitate. We then used confocal imaging of fluorescently tagged proteins to determine where in the cells BK-channel proteins and c-PLA2 co-localize. The alpha-subunit of the BK-channel was strongly co-immunoprecipitated by c-PLA2 antibodies, suggesting that most of the BK channel alpha-subunits are associated with c-PLA2. This interaction was not affected by pharmacologically inhibiting c-PLA2 suggesting that the association does not require functionally active c-PLA2. Following dual immunohistochemical labeling and confocal microscopy, image analysis revealed that in the cytosol there was some co-localization, but most of the c-PLA2 was separate from BK-channel proteins. On the other hand, the c-PLA2 and BK-channel proteins at the plasma membrane were strongly co-localized. Immunoprecipitation experiments conducted with plasma membrane proteins support these findings. We conclude that c-PLA2 is likely physically associated with BK-channel proteins at the cell surface.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcimycin / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits / metabolism*
  • Phospholipases A / metabolism*
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • Rats

Substances

  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits
  • Protein Subunits
  • Calcimycin
  • Phospholipases A
  • Phospholipases A2