Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir3.4

Title: Effect of small interference RNA on the acetylcholine-sensitive potassium channel in H9c2 cells.

Authors: Fei He, Jing Zhao, Ling Li, Rong Guo

Journal, date & volume: Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci., 2015 Winter , 45, 58-63

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25696012

Abstract
The acetylcholine-sensitive potassium channel (IK(ACh)) expresses only in the atrium, not in the ventricle. The main component of the rat IK(ACh) channel is the Kir3.4 protein, and its encoding gene is the KCNJ5 gene. IK(ACh) inhibitors provide a promising treatment for atrial fibrillation without side effects on the ventricle. At present, however, there is no specific IK(ACh) inhibitor. Small interference RNA (siRNA) has the advantages of high specificity and high efficiency. Our aim is to use siRNA to inhibit the IK(ACh) channel on H9c2 cells derived from rat cardiomyocytes.Three pairs of siRNAs targeting the rat IK(ACh) channel were synthesized. H9c2 cells were divided into six groups: control, negative siRNA control, siRNA sequence 1, siRNA sequence 2, siRNA sequence 3, and amiodarone. The KCNJ5 gene and Kir3.4 protein were measured, and IK(ACh) currents were recorded by patch-clamp.The negative siRNA control and siRNA sequence 1 had no inhibitory effects on the IK(ACh) channel. siRNA sequences 2 and 3 could cause a significant decrease in KCNJ5 gene expression, Kir3.4 protein, and IK(ACh) currents (p<0.05). Amiodarone could inhibit the IK(ACh) currents but had no effect on KCNJ5 gene expression and Kir3.4 protein.siRNA could effectively inhibit the IK(ACh) channel and is a potential therapy for atrial fibrillation.