Regulation of the Voltage Gated K + Channel K v1.3 by Recombinant Human Klotho Protein

Background/Aims: Klotho, a protein mainly produced in the kidney and released into circulating blood, contributes to the negative regulation of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ formation and is thus a powerful regulator of mineral metabolism. As β-glucuronidase, alpha Klotho protein further regulates the stability of several carriers and channels in the plasma membrane and thus regulates channel and transporter activity. Accordingly, alpha Klotho protein participates in the regulation of diverse functions seemingly unrelated to mineral metabolism including lymphocyte function. The present study explored the impact of alpha Klotho protein on the voltage gated K⁺ channel K_v1.3. Methods: cRNA encoding K_v1.3 (KCNA3) was injected into Xenopus oocytes and depolarization induced outward current in K_v1.3 expressing Xenopus oocytes determined utilizing dual electrode voltage clamp. Experiments were performed without or with prior treatment with recombinant human Klotho protein (50 ng/ml, 24 hours) in the absence or presence of a β-glucuronidase inhibitor D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (DSAL, 10 µM). Moreover, the voltage gated K⁺ current was determined in Jcam lymphoma cells by whole cell patch clamp following 24 hours incubation without or with recombinant human Klotho protein (50 ng/ml, 24 hours). K_v1.3 protein abundance in Jcam cells was determined utilising fluorescent antibodies in flow cytometry. Results: In K_v1.3 expressing Xenopus oocytes the K_v1.3 currents and the protein abundance of K_v1.3 were both significantly enhanced after treatment with recombinant human Klotho protein (50 ng/ml, 24 hours), an effect reversed by presence of DSAL. Moreover, treatment with recombinant human Klotho protein increased K_v currents and K_v1.3 protein abundance in Jcam cells. Conclusion: Alpha Klotho protein enhances K_v1.3 channel abundance and K_v1.3 currents in the plasma membrane, an effect depending on its β-glucuronidase activity.