SLO2.1/NALCN Functional Complex Activity in Mouse Myometrial Smooth Muscle Cells During Pregnancy.

ABSTRACT: At the end of pregnancy, the uterus transitions from a quiescent to a highly contractile state. This is partly due to the depolarization of the resting membrane potential in uterine (myometrial) smooth muscle cells (MSMCs). In human MSMCs, the membrane potential is regulated by a functional complex between the sodium (Na⁺)-activated potassium (K⁺) channel SLO2.1 and the Na⁺ leak channel nonselective (NALCN). Na⁺ entering through NALCN activates SLO2.1, leading to K⁺ efflux, membrane hyperpolarization (cells become more negative inside), and reduced contractility. Decreased SLO2.1/NALCN activity results in reduced K⁺ efflux, leading to membrane depolarization, Ca²⁺ influx via voltage-dependent calcium channels, and

SUBMITTER: Ferreira JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11962242 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature