Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv7.1 , Kv7.3

Title: Expression of voltage-dependent potassium channels in first trimester human placentae.

Authors: H D Mistry, L O Kurlak, G S Whitley, J E Cartwright, F Broughton Pipkin, R M Tribe

Journal, date & volume: Placenta, 2014 May , 35, 337-40

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24646441

Abstract
Potassium channel α-subunits encoded by KCNQ1-5 genes form voltage-dependent channels (KV7), modulated by KCNE1-5 encoded accessory proteins. The aim was to determine KCNQ and KCNE mRNA expression and assess protein expression/localisation of the KCNQ3 and KCNE5 isoforms in first trimester placental tissue. Placentae were obtained from women undergoing elective surgical termination of pregnancy (TOP) at ≤ 10 weeks' (early TOP) and >10 weeks' (mid TOP) gestations. KCNQ1-5 expression was unchanged during the first trimester. KCNE5 expression increased in mid TOP vs. early TOP samples (P = 0.022). This novel study reports mRNA and protein expression of KV7 channels in first trimester placentae.