Premium
Postsynaptic density‐95 scaffolding of Shaker ‐type K + channels in smooth muscle cells regulates the diameter of cerebral arteries
Author(s) -
Joseph Biny K.,
Thakali Keshari M.,
Pathan Asif R.,
Kang Eunju,
Rusch Nancy J.,
Rhee Sung W.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.213843
Subject(s) - postsynaptic density , postsynaptic potential , scaffold protein , cerebral arteries , biophysics , ion channel , protein subunit , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , receptor , biochemistry , signal transduction , medicine , gene
Non‐Technical Summary Shaker ‐type potassium channels are found on the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels in the brain and are important in keeping the blood vessels open or dilated. We show that a protein called PSD95, previously found in nerve cells, interacts with these potassium channels. PSD95 may act as a scaffold to ensure that the potassium channels are expressed in adequate numbers and in the right location on the smooth muscle cells. When we reduced the number of PSD95 proteins, we saw that the potassium channels were also reduced and the blood vessels were not as dilated compared to blood vessels with normal amounts of PSD95. This research may help us understand how abnormal constriction of blood vessels in the brain occurs in diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke.