TMEM16C facilitates Na(+)-activated K+ currents in rat sensory neurons and regulates pain processing.

ABSTRACT: TMEM16C belongs to the TMEM16 family, which includes the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels TMEM16A and TMEM16B and a small-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated, nonselective cation channel (SCAN), TMEM16F. We found that in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) TMEM16C was expressed mainly in the IB4-positive, non-peptidergic nociceptors that also express the sodium-activated potassium (K(Na)) channel Slack. Together these channel proteins promote K(Na) channel activity and dampen neuronal excitability. DRG from TMEM16C knockout rats had diminished Slack expression, broadened action potentials and increased excitability. Moreover, the TMEM16C knockout rats, as well as rats with Slack knockdown by intrathecal injection of short interfering RNA, exhibited increased thermal and mechanical sensitivity. Experime

SUBMITTER: Huang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4034143 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature