Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv11.1

Title: Physical and functional interaction between integrins and hERG potassium channels.

Authors: A Arcangeli, A Becchetti, A Cherubini, O Crociani, P Defilippi, L Guasti, G Hofmann, S Pillozzi, M Olivotto, E Wanke

Journal, date & volume: Biochem. Soc. Trans., 2004 Nov , 32, 826-7

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15494025

Abstract
Integrins are adhesion receptors capable of transmitting intracellular signals that regulate many different cellular functions. Among integrin-mediated signals, the activation of ion channels can be included. We demonstrated that a long-lasting activation of hERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) potassium channels occurs in both human neuroblastoma and leukaemia cells after the activation of the beta1 integrin subunit. This activation is apparently a determining factor inducing neurite extension and osteoclastic differentiation in both the cell types. More recently, we provided evidences that beta1 integrins and hERG channels co-precipitate in both the cell types. Preliminary results suggest that a macromolecular signalling complex indeed occurs between integrins and the hERG1 protein and that hERG channel activity can modulate integrin downstream signalling.