Kv1.3 activity perturbs the homeostatic properties of astrocytes in glioma

Sci Rep. 2018 May 16;8(1):7654. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-25940-5.

Abstract

Glial cells actively maintain the homeostasis of brain parenchyma, regulating neuronal excitability and preserving the physiological composition of the extracellular milieu. Under pathological conditions, some functions of glial cells could be compromised, exacerbating the neurotoxic processes. We investigated if the homeostatic activities of astrocytes and microglia could be modulated by the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.3. To this end we used in vitro and in vivo systems to model cell-to-cell interactions in tumoral conditions, using a specific inhibitor of Kv1.3 channels, 5-(4-phenoxybutoxy) psoralen (PAP-1). We demonstrated that PAP-1 increases astrocytic glutamate uptake, reduces glioma-induced neurotoxicity, and decreases microglial migration and phagocytosis. We also found in a tumor blood brain barrier model that Kv1.3 activity is required for its integrity. The crucial role of Kv1.3 channels as modulators of glial cell activity was confirmed in a mouse model of glioma, where PAP-1 treatment reduces tumor volume only in the presence of active glutamate transporters GLT-1. In the same mouse model, PAP-1 reduces astrogliosis and microglial infiltration. PAP-1 also reduces tumor cell invasion. All these findings point to Kv1.3 channels as potential targets to re-instruct glial cells toward their homeostatic functions, in the context of brain tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / drug effects
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Astrocytes / pathology*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / drug effects
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism
  • Cell Movement
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Glioma / drug therapy
  • Glioma / metabolism
  • Glioma / pathology*
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Homeostasis*
  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel / genetics
  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Potassium / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / pharmacology

Substances

  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Potassium