A BK channel-targeted peptide induces age-dependent improvement in behavioral and neural sound representation

Neurobiol Aging. 2022 Feb:110:61-72. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.10.014. Epub 2021 Oct 29.

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that modulation of the large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel regulates auditory processing in the brain. Because ion channel expression often changes during aging, this could be a factor in age-related hearing loss. The current study explored how the novel BK channel modulator LS3 shapes central auditory processing in young and old adult mice. In vivo extracellular recordings in the auditory midbrain demonstrated that LS3 differentially modulates neural processing along the tonotopic axis. Though sound-evoked activity was reduced in the mid and ventral tonotopic regions, LS3 enhanced excitatory drive and sound-evoked responses for some neurons in the dorsal, low-frequency region. Behavioral assessment using acoustic reflex modification audiometry indicated improved tone salience following systemic LS3 administration. Moderation of these responses with aging correlated with an age-related decline in BK channel expression. These findings suggest that targeting the BK channel enhances responsivity to tonal sounds, providing the potential to improve hearing acuity and treat hearing loss.

Keywords: Auditory; BK channel; Hearing loss; Peptide; SLO1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Auditory Perception / physiology*
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory / drug effects
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Hearing / drug effects
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / physiology
  • Mesencephalon / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Presbycusis / etiology*
  • Presbycusis / physiopathology
  • Presbycusis / therapy
  • Reflex, Acoustic / physiology

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • LS3 peptide
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels