KCNQ Channels Enable Reliable Presynaptic Spiking and Synaptic Transmission at High Frequency
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: SUMMARY The presynaptic action potential (AP) results in calcium influx which triggers neurotransmitter release. For this reason, the AP waveform is crucial in determining the timing and strength of synaptic transmission. The calyx of Held nerve terminals of rat show minimum changes in AP waveform during high-frequency AP firing. We found that the stability of the calyceal AP waveform requires KCNQ K + channel activated during high-frequency spiking activity. High-frequency presynaptic spikes gradually led to accumulation of KCNQ channels in open states which kept interspike membrane potential sufficiently negative to maintain Na + channel availability. Accordingly, blocking KCNQ channels during stimulus trains led to inactivation of presynaptic Na + , and to a lesser extent K V 1 channels, thereby reducing the AP height and broadening AP duration. Thus, while KCNQ channels are generally thought to prevent hyperactivity of neurons, we find that in axon terminals these channels function to facilitate high-frequency firing needed for sensory coding. HIGHLIGHTS KCNQ channels are activated during high-frequency firing The activity of KCNQ channels helps the recovery of Na + and K V 1 channels from inactivation and maintains action potential waveform Reliable presynaptic action potential waveform preserves stable Ca 2+ influx and reliable synaptic signaling
Source: Journal of Neuroscience
Authors: Yihui Zhang, Dainan Li, Youad Darwish, Xin Fu, Laurence O. Trussell, Hai Huang
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4220826156