Tonghua Yang

Cell Surface Expression of Human Ether-a-go-go-related Gene (hERG) Channels Is Regulated by Caveolin-3 Protein via the Ubiquitin Ligase Nedd4-2

Background: Alterations in hERG-encoded K+ channel current can cause fatal cardiac electrical disturbances. Results: Caveolin-3 enhances ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 interaction with mature hERG channels in the plasma membrane, leading to decreased channel expression. Conclusion: Caveolin-3 regulates hERG expression and thus function via Nedd4-2. Significance: Understanding of hERG regulation pathway is important for cardiac electrophysiology and antiarrhythmic strategies. The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) encodes the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKr) which plays an important role in cardiac repolarization. A reduction or increase in hERG current can cause long or short QT syndrome, respectively, leading to fatal cardiac arrhythmias. The channel density in the plasma membrane is a key determinant of the whole cell current amplitude. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms for the regulation of hERG density at the plasma membrane, we used whole cell voltage clamp, Western blotting, and immunocytochemical methods to investigate the effects of an integral membrane protein, caveolin-3 (Cav3) on hERG expression levels. Our data demonstrate that Cav3, hERG, and ubiquitin-ligase Nedd4-2 interact with each other and form a complex. Expression of Cav3 thus enhances the hERG-Nedd4-2 interaction, leading to an increased ubiquitination and degradation of mature, plasma-membrane localized hERG channels. Disrupting Nedd4-2 interaction with hERG by mutations eliminates the effects of Cav3 on hERG channels. Knockdown of endogenous Cav3 or Nedd4-2 in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes using siRNA led to an increase in native IKr. Our data demonstrate that hERG expression in the plasma membrane is regulated by Cav3 via Nedd4-2. These findings extend our understanding of the regulation of hERG channels and cardiac electrophysiology.

The Role of Monoubiquitination in Endocytic Degradation of Human Ether-a-go-go-related Gene (hERG) Channels under Low K+ Conditions

A reduction in extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) causes cardiac arrhythmias and triggers internalization of the cardiac rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKr) encoded by the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG). We investigated the role of ubiquitin (Ub) in endocytic degradation of hERG channels stably expressed in HEK cells. Under low K+ conditions, UbKO, a lysine-less mutant Ub that only supports monoubiquitination, preferentially interacted and selectively enhanced degradation of the mature hERG channels. Overexpression of Vps24 protein, also known as charged multivesicular body protein 3, significantly accelerated degradation of mature hERG channels, whereas knockdown of Vps24 impeded this process. Moreover, the lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin A1 inhibited degradation of the internalized mature hERG channels. Thus, monoubiquitination directs mature hERG channels to degrade through the multivesicular body/lysosome pathway. Interestingly, the protease inhibitor lactacystin inhibited the low K+-induced hERG endocytosis and concomitantly led to an accumulation of monoubiquitinated mature hERG channels, suggesting that deubiquitination is also required for the endocytic degradation. Consistently, overexpression of the endosomal deubiquitinating enzyme signal transducing adaptor molecule-binding protein significantly accelerated whereas knockdown of endogenous signal transducing adaptor molecule-binding protein impeded degradation of the mature hERG channels under low K+ conditions. Thus, monoubiquitin dynamically mediates endocytic degradation of mature hERG channels under low K+ conditions.

Interaction between the Cardiac Rapidly (IKr) and Slowly (IKs) Activating Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channels Revealed by Low K+-induced hERG Endocytic Degradation

Background: A reduction in either IKr or IKs can cause long QT syndrome. Results: Enhanced endocytic degradation of IKr decreases the expression of both IKr and IKs in the plasma membrane. Conclusion: IKr and IKs form a macrocomplex at the plasma membrane. Significance: Elucidation of IKr-IKs interaction is important for understanding the pathology of cardiac arrhythmias and designing anti-arrhythmic strategies. Cardiac repolarization is controlled by the rapidly (IKr) and slowly (IKs) activating delayed rectifier potassium channels. The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) encodes IKr, whereas KCNQ1 and KCNE1 together encode IKs. Decreases in IKr or IKs cause long QT syndrome (LQTS), a cardiac disorder with a high risk of sudden death. A reduction in extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) induces LQTS and selectively causes endocytic degradation of mature hERG channels from the plasma membrane. In the present study, we investigated whether IKs compensates for the reduced IKr under low K+ conditions. Our data show that when hERG and KCNQ1 were expressed separately in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, exposure to 0 mm K+ for 6 h completely eliminated the mature hERG channel expression but had no effect on KCNQ1. When hERG and KCNQ1 were co-expressed, KCNQ1 significantly delayed 0 mm K+-induced hERG reduction. Also, hERG degradation led to a significant reduction in KCNQ1 in 0 mm K+ conditions. An interaction between hERG and KCNQ1 was identified in hERG+KCNQ1-expressing HEK cells. Furthermore, KCNQ1 preferentially co-immunoprecipitated with mature hERG channels that are localized in the plasma membrane. Biophysical and pharmacological analyses indicate that although hERG and KCNQ1 closely interact with each other, they form distinct hERG and KCNQ1 channels. These data extend our understanding of delayed rectifier potassium channel trafficking and regulation, as well as the pathology of LQTS.

Muscarinic Receptor Activation Increases hERG Channel Expression through Phosphorylation of Ubiquitin Ligase Nedd4-2

The human ether-à-go-go–related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel, which is important for cardiac repolarization. Reduction of hERG current due to genetic mutations or drug interferences causes long QT syndrome, leading to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. To date, there is no effective therapeutic method to restore or enhance hERG channel function. Using cell biology and electrophysiological methods, we found that the muscarinic receptor agonist carbachol increased the expression and function of hERG, but not ether-à-go-go or Kv1.5 channels stably expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. The carbachol-mediated increase in hERG expression was abolished by the selective M3 antagonist 4-DAMP (1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide) but not by the M2 antagonist AF-DX 116 (11[[2-[(diethylamino)methyl]-1-piperidinyl]-acetyl]-5,11-dihydro-6H-pyrido[2,3-b] [1,4]benzodiazepine-6-one). Treatment of cells with carbachol reduced the hERG-ubiquitin interaction and slowed the rate of hERG degradation. We previously showed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 mediates degradation of hERG channels. Here, we found that disrupting the Nedd4-2 binding domain in hERG completely eliminated the effect of carbachol on hERG channels. Carbachol treatment enhanced the phosphorylation level, but not the total level, of Nedd4-2. Blockade of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway abolished the carbachol-induced enhancement of hERG channels. Our data suggest that muscarinic activation increases hERG channel expression by phosphorylating Nedd4-2 via the PKC pathway.

Regulation of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel by Nedd4 family interacting proteins (Ndfips).

The cardiac electrical disorder long QT syndrome (LQTS) pre-disposes affected individuals to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Dysfunction of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG)-encoded rapidly activating delayed rectifier K(+) channel (IKr) is a major cause of LQTS. The expression of hERG channels is controlled by anterograde trafficking of newly synthesized channels to and retrograde degradation of existing channels from the plasma membrane. We have previously shown that the E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase Nedd4-2 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4-2) targets the PY motif of hERG channels to initiate channel degradation. Although both immature and mature hERG channels contain the PY motif, Nedd4-2 selectively mediates the degradation of mature hERG channels. In the present study, we demonstrate that Nedd4-2 is directed to specific cellular compartments by the Nedd4 family interacting proteins, Nedd4 family-interacting protein 1 (Ndfip1) and Ndfip2. Ndfip1 is primarily localized in the Golgi apparatus where it recruits Nedd4-2 to mediate the degradation of mature hERG proteins during channel trafficking to the plasma membrane. Although Ndfip2 directs Nedd4-2 to the Golgi apparatus, it also recruits Nedd4-2 to the multivesicular bodies (MVBs), which may impair MVB function and impede the degradation of mature hERG proteins mediated by Nedd4-2. These findings extend our understanding of hERG channel regulation and provide information which may be useful for the rescue of impaired hERG function in LQTS.

Rab11-dependent Recycling of the Human Ether-a-go-go-related Gene (hERG) Channel.

Background: The hERG-encoded potassium channel IKr is important for cardiac repolarization. Results: Internalized hERG channels are recycled back to the plasma membrane through a Rab11-associated pathway. Conclusion: Recycling plays an important role in the homeostasis of hERG channels. Significance: Identification of hERG recycling is useful for understanding hERG dysfunction and for developing new strategies to rescue hERG function. The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKr). A reduction in the hERG current causes long QT syndrome, which predisposes affected individuals to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. We reported previously that hERG channels in the plasma membrane undergo vigorous internalization under low K+ conditions. In the present study, we addressed whether hERG internalization occurs under normal K+ conditions and whether/how internalized channels are recycled back to the plasma membrane. Using patch clamp, Western blot, and confocal imaging analyses, we demonstrated that internalized hERG channels can effectively recycle back to the plasma membrane. Low K+-enhanced hERG internalization is accompanied by an increased rate of hERG recovery in the plasma membrane upon reculture following proteinase K-mediated clearance of cell-surface proteins. The increased recovery rate is not due to enhanced protein synthesis, as hERG mRNA expression was not altered by low K+ exposure, and the increased recovery was observed in the presence of the protein biosynthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. GTPase Rab11, but not Rab4, is involved in the recycling of hERG channels. Interfering with Rab11 function not only delayed hERG recovery in cells after exposure to low K+ medium but also decreased hERG expression and function in cells under normal culture conditions. We concluded that the recycling pathway plays an important role in the homeostasis of plasma membrane-bound hERG channels.

The Human Ether-a-go-go-Related Gene (hERG) Potassium Channel Represents an Unusual Target for Protease-mediated Damage

The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKr), which is important for cardiac repolarization. Dysfunction of hERG causes long QT syndrome and sudden death, which occur in patients with cardiac ischemia. Cardiac ischemia is also associated with activation, up-regulation, and secretion of various proteolytic enzymes. Here, using whole-cell patch clamp and Western blotting analysis, we demonstrate that the hERG/IKr channel was selectively cleaved by the serine protease, proteinase K (PK). Using molecular biology techniques including making a chimeric channel between protease-sensitive hERG and insensitive human ether-a-go-go (hEAG), as well as application of the scorpion toxin BeKm-1, we identified that the S5-pore linker of hERG is the target domain for proteinase K cleavage. To investigate the physiological relevance of the unique susceptibility of hERG to proteases, we show that cardiac ischemia in a rabbit model was associated with a reduction in mature ERG expression and an increase in the expression of several proteases, including calpain. Using cell biology approaches, we found that calpain-1 was actively released into the extracellular milieu and cleaved hERG at the S5-pore linker. Using protease cleavage-predicting software and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified that calpain-1 cleaves hERG at position Gly-603 in the S5-pore linker of hERG. Clarification of protease-mediated damage of hERG extends our understanding of hERG regulation. Damage of hERG mediated by proteases such as calpain may contribute to ischemia-associated QT prolongation and sudden cardiac death.

Proteolytic cleavage in the S1-S2 linker of the Kv1.5 channel does not affect channel function.

Kv1.5 channels mediate the ultra-rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (IKur), which is important for atrial repolarization. It has been shown that cell-surface Kv1.5 channels are sensitive to cleavage by the extracellular serine protease, proteinase K (PK). Here, we investigated the effects of extracellular proteolytic digestion on the function of Kv1.5 channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. Our data demonstrate that PK treatment cleaved mature membrane-bound (75kDa) Kv1.5 channels at a single locus in the S1-S2 linker, producing 42-kDa N-terminal fragments and 33-kDa C-terminal fragments. Interestingly, such PK treatment did not affect the Kv1.5 current (IKv1.5) recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Analysis of cell-surface proteins isolated using biotinylation indicated that the PK-generated N- and C-terminal fragments were both present in the plasma membrane. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) experiments indicated that the N- and C-terminal fragments are no longer associated after cleavage. Furthermore, following PK digestion, the N- and C-fragments degraded at different rates. PK is frequently used as a tool to analyze cell-surface localization of membrane proteins, and cleavage of cell-surface channels has been shown to abolish channel function (e.g. hERG). Our data, for the first time, demonstrate that cleavage of cell-surface channels assessed by Western blot analysis does not necessarily correlate with an elimination of the channel activities.

Febrile temperature facilitates hERG/IKr degradation through an altered K(+) dependence.

BACKGROUND Dysfunction of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K(+) channel (IKr) encoded by the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) is the primary cause of acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS). Fever has been reported to trigger LQTS in various conditions. OBJECTIVE We aim to clarify the effect and underlying mechanisms of febrile temperature on hERG expressed in HEK cells, IKr in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, and the QT interval in rabbits. METHODS Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of hERG channel protein in stably transfected HEK 293 cells. Immunocytochemistry was used to visualize the localization of hERG channels. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record hERG K(+) current (IhERG) in hERG expressing HEK 293 cells, as well as IKr, transient outward K(+) current (Ito), and L-type Ca(2+) current (ICa) in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Electrocardiographic recordings were performed in an in vivo rabbit model. RESULTS Compared with culture at 37°C, culture at 40°C reduced the mature hERG expression and IhERG in an extracellular K(+) concentration-dependent manner. Point mutations that remove the K(+) dependence of hERG-S624T and F627Y-also abolished the febrile temperature-induced hERG reduction. In neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, febrile temperature prolonged the action potential duration and selectively reduced IKr in a manner similar to low K(+) culture. In an in vivo rabbit model, fever and hypokalemia synergistically prolonged the QT interval. CONCLUSION Febrile temperature facilitates the development of LQTS by expediting hERG degradation through altered K(+) dependence.

Hypoxia reduces mature hERG channels through calpain up-regulation

Human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) encodes the pore‐forming subunit of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) potassium channel, which is important for cardiac repolarization. Impairment of hERG function is the primary cause of acquired long QT syndrome, which predisposes individuals to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Patients with hypoxia due to conditions such as cardiac ischemia or obstructive sleep apnea display increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. We sought to understand the mechanisms that underlie hypoxia‐associated cardiac arrhythmias. Using cell biology and electro‐physiologic techniques, we found that hypoxic culture of hERG‐expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes reduced hERG current/IKr and mature ERG channel expression with a concomitant increase in calpain expression. Calpain was actively released into the extracellular milieu and degraded cell‐surface hERG. In contrast to hERG, the ether‐a‐go‐go (EAG) channel was not reduced by hypoxic culture. By making chimeric channels between hERG and EAG, we identified that hypoxia‐induced calpain degraded hERG by targeting its extracellular S5‐pore linker. The scorpion toxin BeKm‐1, which is known to selectively bind to the S5‐pore linker of hERG, prevented hypoxia‐induced hERG reduction. Our data provide novel information about hypoxia‐mediated hERG dysfunction and may have biological and clinical implications in hypoxia‐associated diseases.—Lamothe, S. M., Song, W., Guo, J., Li, W., Yang, T., Baranchuk, A., Graham, C. H., Zhang, S. Hypoxia reduces mature hERG channels through calpain up‐regulation. FASEB J. 31, 5068–5077 (2017). www.fasebj.org