Neuronal P2X transmitter-gated cation channels change their ion selectivity in seconds

Nat Neurosci. 1999 Apr;2(4):322-30. doi: 10.1038/7233.

Abstract

Fast synaptic transmission depends on the selective ionic permeability of transmitter-gated ion channels. Here we show changes in the ion selectivity of neuronal P2X transmitter-gated cation channels as a function of time (on the order of seconds) and previous ATP exposure. Heterologously expressed P2X2, P2X2/P2X3 and P2X4 channels as well as native neuronal P2X channels possess various combinations of mono- or biphasic responses and permeability changes, measured by NMDG+ and fluorescent dye. Furthermore, in P2X4 receptors, this ability to alter ion selectivity can be increased or decreased by altering an amino-acid residue thought to line the ion permeation pathway, identifying a region that governs this activity-dependent change.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / pharmacology*
  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Animals
  • Benzoxazoles
  • Cations / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane Permeability / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Ion Transport
  • Meglumine / metabolism
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / drug effects
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Quinolinium Compounds
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / physiology
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2 / drug effects
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2 / genetics
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2 / physiology*
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X2
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X3
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X4
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / physiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benzoxazoles
  • Cations
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Quinolinium Compounds
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X2
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X3
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X4
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • YO-PRO 1
  • Meglumine
  • Adenosine Triphosphate