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A glial DEG/ENaC channel functions with neuronal channel DEG-1 to mediate specific sensory functions in C. elegans

Wang, Ying, Apicella, Alfonso Jr, Lee, Sun-Kyung, Ezcurra, Marina, Slone, Robert D, Goldmit, Maya, Schafer, William R., Shaham, Shai, Driscoll, Monica, Bianchi, Laura and others. (2008) A glial DEG/ENaC channel functions with neuronal channel DEG-1 to mediate specific sensory functions in C. elegans. Embo Journal, 27 . pp. 2388-2399. ISSN 0261-4189. E-ISSN 1460-2075. (doi:10.1038/emboj.2008.161) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:91265)

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Abstract

A glial DEG/ENaC channel functions with neuronal channel DEG-1 to mediate specific sensory functions in C. elegans31 July 2008

Figures & Info

Mammalian neuronal DEG/ENaC channels known as ASICs (acid-sensing ion channels) mediate sensory perception and memory formation. ASICS are closed at rest and are gated by protons. Members of the DEG/ENaC family expressed in epithelial tissues are called ENaCs and mediate Na+ transport across epithelia. ENaCs exhibit constitutive activity and strict Na+ selectivity. We report here the analysis of the first DEG/ENaC in Caenorhabditis elegans with functional features of ENaCs that is involved in sensory perception. ACD-1 (acid-sensitive channel, degenerin-like) is constitutively open and impermeable to Ca2+, yet it is required with neuronal DEG/ENaC channel DEG-1 for acid avoidance and chemotaxis to the amino acid lysine. Surprisingly, we document that ACD-1 is required in glia rather than neurons to orchestrate sensory perception. We also report that ACD-1 is inhibited by extracellular and intracellular acidification and, based on the analysis of an acid-hypersensitive ACD-1 mutant, we propose a mechanism of action of ACD-1 in sensory responses based on its sensitivity to protons. Our findings suggest that channels with ACD-1 features may be expressed in mammalian glia and have important functions in controlling neuronal function.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1038/emboj.2008.161
Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology (Living systems)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Depositing User: Marina Ezcurra
Date Deposited: 02 Nov 2021 12:37 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:27 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/91265 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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