Cryo-EM structures of mouse bestrophin 1 channel in closed and partially open conformations.

Bestrophin-1 (BEST1) channels are calcium-activated Cl channels involved in diverse physiological processes, including gliotransmitter release in astrocytes. Although human and chicken BEST1 orthologs have been extensively studied, the structural and functional properties of mouse BEST1 (mBEST1) remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized the structure-function of mBEST1-BF, a C-terminally tagged variant, using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, surface biotinylation assays, and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

Dual regulation of Kv7.2/7.3 channels by long-chain n-alcohols.

Normal alcohols (n-alcohols) can induce anesthetic effects by acting on neuronal ion channels. Recent studies have revealed the effects of n-alcohols on various ion channels; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we provide evidence that long-chain n-alcohols have dual effects on Kv7.

Posttranscriptional modulation of KCNQ2 gene expression by the miR-106b microRNA family.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as important regulators of ion channel expression. We show here that select miR-106b family members repress the expression of the KCNQ2 K channel protein by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of KCNQ2 messenger RNA. During the first few weeks after birth, the expression of miR-106b family members rapidly decreases, whereas KCNQ2 protein level inversely increases.

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma around posterior tibialis tendon in an elderly patient with flatfoot: A case report.

Rationale: Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) is a rare benign fibroblastic tumor that is commonly in the hand or foot of children or adolescents.

Patient Concerns: A 74-year-old female presented with a progressive pain on the medial foot for 3 years ago. The pain aggravated while walking or in a standing position for more than 20 minutes.

Ethanol inhibits Kv7.2/7.3 channel open probability by reducing the PI(4,5)P2 sensitivity of Kv7.2 subunit.

Ethanol often causes critical health problems by altering the neuronal activities of the central and peripheral nerve systems. One of the cellular targets of ethanol is the plasma membrane proteins including ion channels and receptors. Recently, we reported that ethanol elevates membrane excitability in sympathetic neurons by inhibiting Kv7.

Allosteric modulation of alternatively spliced Ca-activated Cl channels TMEM16A by PI(4,5)P and CaMKII.

Transmembrane 16A (TMEM16A, anoctamin1), 1 of 10 TMEM16 family proteins, is a Cl channel activated by intracellular Ca and membrane voltage. This channel is also regulated by the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P]. We find that two splice variants of TMEM16A show different sensitivity to endogenous PI(4,5)P degradation, where TMEM16A(ac) displays higher channel activity and more current inhibition by PI(4,5)P depletion than TMEM16A(a).

Bone Mineral Density in Diabetes Mellitus Foot Patients for Prediction of Diabetic Neuropathic Osteoarthropathic Fracture.

Background: Diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy (DNOAP) is known as debilitating diabetes complications. The aim of study is to compare bone mineral density (BMD) among diabetic foot and DNOAP, and investigate the impact of BMD proceeded from diabetic foot to DNOAP.

Methods: A DNOAP group (subgroup A and subgroup B) and control group were examined for this study.

Ethanol Elevates Excitability of Superior Cervical Ganglion Neurons by Inhibiting Kv7 Channels in a Cell Type-Specific and PI(4,5)P-Dependent Manner.

Alcohol causes diverse acute and chronic symptoms that often lead to critical health problems. Exposure to ethanol alters the activities of sympathetic neurons that control the muscles, eyes, and blood vessels in the brain. Although recent studies have revealed the cellular targets of ethanol, such as ion channels, the molecular mechanism by which alcohol modulates the excitability of sympathetic neurons has not been determined.