Molecular cloning and functional expression of the K+ channel KV7.1 and the regulatory subunit KCNE1 from equine myocardium

Philip J. Pedersen, Kirsten B. Thomsen, Jon B. Flak, Maria A. Tejada, Frank Hauser, Dagmar Trachsel, Rikke Buhl, Theodore Kalbfleisch, Michael Scott DePriest, James N. MacLeod, Kirstine Calloe, Dan A. Klaerke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The voltage-gated K+-channel KV7.1 and the subunit KCNE1, encoded by the KCNQ1 and KCNE1 genes, respectively, are responsible for termination of the cardiac action potential. In humans, mutations in these genes can predispose patients to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Aim To characterize equine KV7.1/KCNE1 currents and compare them to human KV7.1/KCNE1 currents to determine whether KV7.1/KCNE1 plays a similar role in equine and human hearts. Methods mRNA encoding KV7.1 and KCNE1 was isolated from equine hearts, sequenced, and cloned into expression vectors. The channel subunits were heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes or CHO-K1 cells and characterized using voltage-clamp techniques. Results Equine KV7.1/KCNE1 expressed in CHO-K1 cells exhibited electrophysiological properties that are overall similar to the human orthologs; however, a slower deactivation was found which could result in more open channels at fast rates. Conclusion The results suggest that the equine KV7.1/KCNE1 channel may be important for cardiac repolarization and this could indicate that horses are susceptible to SCD caused by mutations in KCNQ1 and KCNE1.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-86
Number of pages8
JournalResearch in Veterinary Science
Volume113
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Cardiac electrophysiology
  • Equine
  • Horse
  • K7.1
  • KCNE1
  • KCNQ1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Veterinary

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