Signaling complexes involving HCN channels

atmire.migration.oldid6192
dc.contributor.advisorZamponi, Gerald
dc.contributor.authorFan, Jing
dc.contributor.committeememberTurner, Ray
dc.contributor.committeememberStys, Peter
dc.date.accessioned2017-11-24T22:40:25Z
dc.date.available2017-11-24T22:40:25Z
dc.date.issued2017
dc.date.submitted2017en
dc.description.abstractIh is a hyperpolarization-activated current that is widely distributed in the brain and which contributes to various physiological processes. HCN channels that give rise to Ih are an important target of cellular signals that regulate neuronal responses to external stimuli. In this thesis, I characterize the HCN channel-associated signaling complex and its impact on hippocampal function at molecular and cellular levels. Using whole cell-current recordings in hippocampal primary cultures prepared from wild-type (WT) and cellular prion protein (PrPC) knockout (KO) mouse pups, I found that the absence of PrPC profoundly affected the firing properties of cultured hippocampal neurons. These included an increased number of action potentials (APs) and a decreased spike threshold. By performing whole cell-voltage recordings, a reduced ionic current Ih was observed in KO neurons as indicated by a decreased voltage sag, a hyperpolarizing shift in activation gating and an enhanced input resistance. However, co-IP results did not reveal a molecular complex formed between HCN and PrPC. These results indicate that HCN channels are functionally but not physically associated with PrPC to regulate hippocampal neuronal excitability. Further dissecting on HCN channel-associated signaling in tsA-201 cells revealed that HCN1 and Cav3.2 channels can be associated in a physical complex. The coexpression of HCN1 channels altered the functional properties of Cav3.2 currents, including a reduced Cav3.2 current density, altered channel kinetics and a depolarizing shift in activation gating. Mutual interaction regions in both channels were also determined. Overall, these findings identify HCN channel-associated signaling at molecular and functional levels, including functional interactions between HCN channels and PrPC, and physical interactions between HCN1 and Cav3.2 channels. This study provides a framework for understanding the HCN channel-associated interactions in the context of neuronal excitability.en_US
dc.identifier.citationFan, J. (2017). Signaling complexes involving HCN channels (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27780en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/27780
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11023/4252
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.facultyGraduate Studies
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subjectNeuroscience
dc.subject.otherHCN channel
dc.subject.otherPrion Protein
dc.subject.otherT-type calcium channel
dc.subject.otherSignaling
dc.titleSignaling complexes involving HCN channels
dc.typedoctoral thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineNeuroscience
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
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