Role of the Voltage-Gated Proton Channel Hv1 in Nervous Systems / 神经科学通报·英文版

Hv1 is the only voltage-gated proton-selective channel in mammalian cells. It contains a conserved voltage-sensor domain, shared by a large class of voltage-gated ion channels, but lacks a pore domain. Its primary role is to extrude protons from the cytoplasm upon pH reduction and membrane depolarization. The best-known function of Hv1 is the regulation of cytosolic pH and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-dependent production of reactive oxygen species. Accumulating evidence indicates that Hv1 is expressed in nervous systems, in addition to immune cells and others. Here, we summarize the molecular properties, distribution, and physiological functions of Hv1 in the peripheral and central nervous systems. We describe the recently discovered functions of Hv1 in various neurological diseases, including brain or spinal cord injury, ischemic stroke, demyelinating diseases, and pain. We also summarize the current advances in the discovery and application of Hv1-targeted small molecules in neurological diseases. Finally, we discuss the current limitations of our understanding of Hv1 and suggest future research directions.

DGGE assay for heteroplasmy in mitochondrial DNA / 대한법의학회지

Heteroplasmy in the hypervariable region 1 of the mtDNA was screened using DGGE. Blood samples from 150 unrelated Koreans were used. Appropriate condition was set up using mixed samples with previously known HV1 sequences. This method is capable of detecting heteroplasmic proportion less than 5 %. Multiple bands pattern meaning heteroplasmy was observed in 41 individuals (27.3%). The majority of heteroplasmic variants could not be detected by direct sequencing of PCR products. For the distribution pattern of heteroplasmy in different tissues within one individual, 14 autopsy cases were screened. Out of these, two were heteroplasmic, but there was no difference between various tissues in the heteroplasmic DGGE band pattern.