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KCNQ5 channels control resting properties and release probability of a synapse

Nature Neuroscience volume 14, pages 840–847 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

Little is known about which ion channels determine the resting electrical properties of presynaptic membranes. In recordings made from the rat calyx of Held, a giant mammalian terminal, we found resting potential to be controlled by KCNQ (Kv7) K+ channels, most probably KCNQ5 (Kv7.5) homomers. Unlike most KCNQ channels, which are activated only by depolarizing stimuli, the presynaptic channels began to activate just below the resting potential. As a result, blockers and activators of KCNQ5 depolarized or hyperpolarized nerve terminals, respectively, markedly altering resting conductance. Moreover, the background conductance set by KCNQ5 channels, together with Na+ and hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide–gated (HCN) channels, determined the size and time course of the response to subthreshold stimuli. Signaling pathways known to directly affect exocytic machinery also regulated KCNQ5 channels, and increase or decrease of KCNQ5 channel activity controlled release probability through alterations in resting potential. Thus, ion channel determinants of presynaptic resting potential also control synaptic strength.

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Figure 1: Identification of presynaptic KCNQ current.
Figure 2: Voltage dependence of presynaptic KCNQ current.
Figure 3: KCNQ5 is expressed in the calyx of Held.
Figure 4: Effects of KCNQ channels on resting membrane properties of calyces.
Figure 5: KCNQ channels determine properties of subthreshold stimuli.
Figure 6: Modulation of KCNQ current by PIP2 and protein kinase C.
Figure 7: Regulation of transmitter release by KCNQ channels.

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Acknowledgements

We thank V. Balakrishnan and P. Brehm for comments, K. Bender and S. Kuo for technical advice and B. Kachar (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders) for KCNQ4 antibody. L.O.T. is supported by US National Institutes of Health grants DC004450 and NS028901.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA

    Hai Huang & Laurence O Trussell

  2. Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA

    Hai Huang & Laurence O Trussell

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  1. Hai Huang
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H.H. conducted and analyzed all experiments. H.H. and L.O.T. designed experiments and wrote the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Hai Huang.

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Huang, H., Trussell, L. KCNQ5 channels control resting properties and release probability of a synapse. Nat Neurosci 14, 840–847 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2830

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