Single-channel properties and pH sensitivity of two-pore domain K+ channels of the TALK family

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Mar 19;315(4):836-44. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.01.137.

Abstract

The two-pore K2P channel family comprises TASK, TREK, TWIK, TRESK, TALK, and THIK subfamilies, and TALK-1, TALK-2, and TASK-2 are functional members of the TALK subfamily. Here we report for the first time the single-channel properties of TALK-2 and its pHo sensitivity, and compare them to those of TALK-1 and TASK-2. In transfected COS-7 cells, the three TALK K2P channels could be identified easily by their differences in single-channel conductance and gating kinetics. The single-channel conductances of TALK-1, TALK-2, and TASK-2 in symmetrical 150 mM KCl were 21, 33, and 70 pS (-60 mV), respectively. TALK-2 was sensitive mainly to the alkaline range (pH 7-10), whereas TALK-1 and TASK-2 were sensitive to a wider pHo range (6-10). The effect of pH changes was mainly on the opening frequency. Thus, members of the TALK family expressed in native tissues may be identified based on their single-channel kinetics and pHo sensitivity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Northern
  • COS Cells
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Models, Molecular
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques / methods
  • Phylogeny
  • Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels / physiology*
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / genetics
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / physiology*
  • Protein Conformation
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Transfection

Substances

  • KCNK16 protein, human
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain
  • RNA, Messenger