RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Role of Protein Kinase Cζ and Its Adaptor Protein p62 in Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Modulation in Pulmonary Arteries JF Molecular Pharmacology JO Mol Pharmacol FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 1301 OP 1309 DO 10.1124/mol.107.037002 VO 72 IS 5 A1 Laura Moreno A1 Giovanna Frazziano A1 Angel Cogolludo A1 Laura Cobeño A1 Juan Tamargo A1 Francisco Perez-Vizcaino YR 2007 UL http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/72/5/1301.abstract AB Voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels play an essential role in regulating pulmonary artery function, and they underpin the phenomenon of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by inappropriate vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, and dysfunctional KV channels. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the role of PKCζ and its adaptor protein p62 in the modulation of KV channels. We report that the thromboxane A2 analog 9,11-dideoxy-11α,9α-epoxymethano-prostaglandin F2α methyl acetate (U46619) inhibited KV currents in isolated mice pulmonary artery myocytes and the KV current carried by human cloned KV1.5 channels expressed in Ltk– cells. Using protein kinase C (PKC)ζ–/– and p62–/– mice, we demonstrate that these two proteins are involved in the KV channel inhibition. PKCζ coimmunoprecipitated with KV1.5, and this interaction was markedly reduced in p62–/– mice. Pulmonary arteries from PKCζ–/– mice also showed a diminished [Ca2+]i and contractile response, whereas genetic inactivation of p62–/– resulted in an absent [Ca2+]i response, but it preserved contractile response to U46619. These data demonstrate that PKCζ and its adaptor protein p62 play a key role in the modulation of KV channel function in pulmonary arteries. These observations identify PKCζ and/or p62 as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics