SGLT2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin Modulates Ion Channels in Adult Zebrafish Heart.

Empagliflozin, an inhibitor of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (iSGLT2), improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without diabetes and possesses an antiarrhythmic activity. However, the mechanisms of these protective effects have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the impact of empagliflozin on ion channel activity and electrophysiological characteristics in the ventricular myocardium.

Functional Analysis of SCN5A Genetic Variants Associated with Brugada Syndrome.

Background: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare inherited cardiac arrhythmia with increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Mutations in gene SCN5A, which encodes the α-subunit of cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.5, have been identified in over 20% of patients with BrS.

Small G-protein RhoA is a potential inhibitor of cardiac fast sodium current.

Small G-proteins of Rho family modulate the activity of several classes of ion channels, including K channels Kv1.2, Kir2.1, and ERG; Ca channels; and epithelial Na channels.

Characterization of a novel SCN5A genetic variant A1294G associated with mixed clinical phenotype.

Mutations in gene SCN5A, which encodes cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel Na1.5, are associated with multiple clinical phenotypes. Here we describe a novel A1294G genetic variant detected in a male patient with combined clinical phenotype including atrioventricular II block, Brugada-like ECG, septal fibrosis, right ventricular dilatation and decreased left ventricular contractility.

Novel role of Rac1/WAVE signaling mechanism in regulation of the epithelial Na+ channel.

The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) is an essential channel responsible for Na(+) reabsorption in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron. Consequently, ENaC is a major effector impacting systemic blood volume and pressure. We have shown recently that Rac1 increases ENaC activity, whereas Cdc42 fails to change channel activity.

The actin cytoskeleton and small G protein RhoA are not involved in flow-dependent activation of ENaC.

Background: Epithelial cells are exposed to a variety of mechanical stimuli. Epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) mediate sodium transport across apical membranes of epithelial cells that line the distal nephron, airway and alveoli, and distal colon. Early investigations into stretch sensitivity of ENaC were controversial.

Intact cytoskeleton is required for small G protein dependent activation of the epithelial Na+ channel.

Background: The Epithelial Na(+) Channel (ENaC) plays a central role in control of epithelial surface hydration and vascular volume. Similar to other ion channels, ENaC activity is regulated, in part, by cortical cytoskeleton. Besides, the cytoskeleton is an established target for small G proteins signaling.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma antagonists decrease Na+ transport via the epithelial Na+ channel.

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is believed to represent the rate-limiting step for sodium absorption in the renal collecting duct. Consequently, ENaC is a central effector affecting systemic blood volume and pressure. Sodium and water transport are dysregulated in diabetes mellitus.

Muscarinic M1 modulation of acid-sensing ion channels.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are ligand-gated cation channels that are highly expressed in nervous system. Little is known about the regulation of these channels. Therefore, we tested whether muscarinic M1 receptors can modulate ASICs.

Intrinsic voltage dependence of the epithelial Na+ channel is masked by a conserved transmembrane domain tryptophan.

Tryptophan residues critical to function are frequently located at the lipid-water interface of transmembrane domains. All members of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC)/Degenerin (Deg) channel superfamily contain an absolutely conserved Trp at the base of their first transmembrane domain. Here, we test the importance of this conserved Trp to ENaC/Deg function.

Regulation of ENaC expression at the cell surface by Rab11.

The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) is an essential channel responsible for Na(+) reabsorption. Coexpression of Rab11a and Rab3a small G proteins with ENaC results in a significant increase in channel activity. In contrast, coexpression of Rab5, Rab27a, and Arf-1 had no effect or slightly decreased ENaC activity.