Open AccessDifferential roles of trithorax protein MLL-1 in regulating neuronal Ion channels
Author(s) -
Sonya Davé,
An Zhou
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of neuroscience and neurological disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2639-3220
DOI - 10.29328/journal.jnnd.1001057
Subject(s) - activator (genetics) , potassium channel , sodium channel , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , ion channel , patch clamp , gene , neuroscience , chemistry , sodium , electrophysiology , genetics , endocrinology , receptor , organic chemistry
Repressive regulation of potassium channel genes by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins contributes to PcG protein-mediated neuroprotection against neuronal ischemic injury, as seen in an ischemic stroke. Here we asked the question whether Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins, the antagonistic partners of PcG proteins (i.e, epigenetic activators targeting the same genes) may also regulate potassium channels. Results of patch-clamp studies on cultured neuronal cells showed that inhibition of TrxG protein MLL-1 led to an increase in potassium channel activity, an unexpected effect for a presumed gene activator. In contrast, decreased sodium currents were observed with MLL-1 inhibition. Increased or decreased levels of potassium channel protein Kv2.1 or sodium channel protein Nav1.2, respectively, were seen with MLL-1 inhibition, as determined by immunocytochemistry. These results, for the first time, demonstrate an involvement of TrxG protein MLL-1 in regulating neuronal ion channels, potentially repressing potassium channel genes.