Spadin Modulates Astrocytic Passive Conductance via Inhibition of TWIK-1/TREK-1 Heterodimeric Channels.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain, are non-excitable cells and play critical roles in brain function. Mature astrocytes typically exhibit a linear current-voltage relationship termed passive conductance, which is believed to enable astrocytes to maintain potassium homeostasis in the brain. We previously demonstrated that TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric channels mainly contribute to astrocytic passive conductance. However, the molecular identity of astrocytic passive conductance is still controversial and needs to be elucidated. Here, we report that spadin, an inhibitor of TREK-1, can dramatically reduce astrocytic passive conductance in brain slices. A series of gene silencing experiments demonstrated that spadin-sensitive currents are mediated by TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric

SUBMITTER: Bae Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7765948 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature