Analysis of a Newly-Identified Voltage-Activated Potassium Current in Drosophila

钾离子通道是一种细胞蛋白，在神经、肌肉和其他细胞的生理功能中起着至关重要的作用。一种以前未知的新型钾离子通道（称为IKF）已经被发现。该项目将研究：(1)该通道的功能，(2)何种药物与该通道相互作用以抑制或增强其活性，以及(3)调节该通道所涉及的细胞内信号传导机制。这些通道特性将被研究使用的方法，测量电活动的通道在一个模型系统，是非常适合遗传操作。电测量将提供有关通道功能的信息。通过测量各种药物和毒素作用后通道的功能来研究药理学药物的作用。同样，影响通道功能的药物和遗传扰动的使用将提供有关调节通道的途径的信息。最近的基因组革命导致了大量编码钾离子通道的基因的发现。相比之下，包括IKF通道在内的相对较少的通道已在生理水平上被确定。该项目将有助于了解IKF通道的生理作用，并将随后允许建立通道和编码它的基因之间的联系。该研究将为理解IKF和相关通道在正常细胞生理学中的作用提供一个基本框架。此外，这项工作将通过为追求生物学和药理学职业的本科生和研究生提供培训，为科学基础设施做出贡献。

Potassium channels are cellular proteins that play a vital role in physiological functioning of the nerves, muscles and other cells. A previously unknown novel type of potassium channel (named IKF) has been identified. This project will study: (i) how this channel functions, (ii) what pharmacological agents interact with this channel to either inhibit or enhance its activity, and (iii) what intracellular signaling mechanisms are involved in modulating this channel. These channel properties will be studied using methods that measure electrical activity of the channel in a model system that is well suited to genetic manipulation. The electrical measurements will provide information about the functioning of the channel. Effects of pharmacological agents will be studied by measuring the function of the channel after applying various drugs and toxins. Similarly, the use of drugs and genetic perturbations that effect the functioning of the channel will provide information on pathways that modulate the channel.The recent genomic revolution has led to the discovery of a large number of genes that code for potassium channels. In contrast, relatively few channels, including the IKF channel, have been identified at the physiological level. This project will help understand the physiological role of the IKF channel and will subsequently allow the establishment of a link between the channel and the gene that codes for it. The study will provide a fundamental framework for understanding the role of IKF and related channels in normal cellular physiology. Furthermore, this work will contribute to the infrastructure of science by providing training to undergraduate and graduate students pursing careers in the biological and the pharmacological sciences.