Kv2.1 channels play opposing roles in regulating membrane potential, Ca²⁺ channel function, and myogenic tone in arterial smooth muscle.

ABSTRACT: The accepted role of the protein Kv2.1 in arterial smooth muscle cells is to form K⁺ channels in the sarcolemma. Opening of Kv2.1 channels causes membrane hyperpolarization, which decreases the activity of L-type Ca_V1.2 channels, lowering intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) and causing smooth muscle relaxation. A limitation of this model is that it is based exclusively on data from male arterial myocytes. Here, we used a combination of electrophysiology as well as imaging approaches to investigate the role of Kv2.1 channels in male and female arterial myocytes. We confirmed that Kv2.1 plays a canonical conductive role but found it also has a structural role in arterial myocytes to enhance clustering of Ca_V1.2 channels. Less than 1%

SUBMITTER: O'Dwyer SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7035623 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature