Background: Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated cation channels that mediate acid-induced responses in neurons. ASICs are important for mechanosensation, learning and memory, fear, pain, and neuronal injury. ASIC2a is widely expressed in the nervous system and modulates ASIC channel trafficking and activity in both central and peripheral systems. Here, to better understand mechanisms regulating ASIC2a, we searched for potential protein motifs that regulate ASIC2a trafficking.
Results and conclusions: We identified a LLDLL sequence in the C-terminal juxtamembrane region of ASIC2a. Deleting or mutating the LLDLL sequence increased total expression and surface levels of ASIC2a in CHO cells. Mutating either of the two LL motifs had a similar effect. We further assessed ASIC2a localization in organotypic hippocampal slice neurons. The LL motif mutants exhibited increased dendritic trafficking and elevated targeting to dendritic spines. Consistent with an efficient trafficking, the LL motif mutants increased acid-activated current density. In addition, mutating the second LL motif increased pH sensitivity of the channel. These data identify the LL motifs as a negative regulator of ASIC2a trafficking and function, and suggest novel regulatory mechanisms in acid signaling.