Pain-associated signals, acidosis and lysophosphatidic acid, modulate the neuronal K(2P)2.1 channel

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2009 Mar;40(3):382-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2008.12.004. Epub 2008 Dec 24.

Abstract

Pain is a physiological state promoting protective responses to harmful episodes. However, pain can become pathophysiological and become a chronic disruptive condition, damaging quality of life. The mammalian K(2P)2.1 (KCNK2, TREK-1) channel, expressed in sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia, was previously identified as a polymodal molecular sensor involved in pain perception. Here, we report that two pain-associated signals, external acidosis and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), known to rise during injury, inflammation and cancer, profoundly down-modulate human K(2P)2.1 activity. The pH regulatory effect was mediated by activation of proton-sensitive G-protein coupled receptors and phospholipase C. Physiological concentrations of LPA overcame the effects of known K(2P)2.1 activators, such as arachidonic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine and temperature, by activating cell-surface receptors stimulating the G(q) pathway. Furthermore, we identified three K(2P)2.1 carboxy-terminal residues that mediate both pH and LPA regulatory effects. Our results highlight the important role of K(2P)2.1 channels as receptors for mediators known to cause nociception.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Enzyme Activation
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Oocytes / cytology
  • Oocytes / physiology
  • Pain / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / metabolism*
  • Type C Phospholipases / metabolism
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Lysophospholipids
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain
  • potassium channel protein TREK-1
  • Type C Phospholipases
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • lysophosphatidic acid