Physical and functional interaction between integrins and hERG potassium channels

Biochem Soc Trans. 2004 Nov;32(Pt 5):826-7. doi: 10.1042/BST0320826.

Abstract

Integrins are adhesion receptors capable of transmitting intracellular signals that regulate many different cellular functions. Among integrin-mediated signals, the activation of ion channels can be included. We demonstrated that a long-lasting activation of hERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) potassium channels occurs in both human neuroblastoma and leukaemia cells after the activation of the beta1 integrin subunit. This activation is apparently a determining factor inducing neurite extension and osteoclastic differentiation in both the cell types. More recently, we provided evidences that beta1 integrins and hERG channels co-precipitate in both the cell types. Preliminary results suggest that a macromolecular signalling complex indeed occurs between integrins and the hERG1 protein and that hERG channel activity can modulate integrin downstream signalling.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cation Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism*
  • Leukemia / metabolism
  • Neuroblastoma / metabolism
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Cation Transport Proteins
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels
  • Integrins
  • KCNH6 protein, human
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated
  • Potassium