Stabilizing effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on Kv1.5 channel protein expressed in mammalian cells.

We investigated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the stability of Kv1.5 channel protein. The expression and function of Kv1.5 (Kv1.5-FLAG) in transfected African green monkey kidney fibroblast cells as well as rat atrium were estimated by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and patch-clamp techniques. Both EPA and DHA immediately blocked Kv1.5 channel current in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by reduction of their phosphorylation. Chronic treatment (for 12 h) with EPA at lower concentrations (0.3-10 muM) increased the level of Kv1.5-FLAG protein as well as Kv1.5 channel current without changes in its gating kinetics, prolonging its half-life; in contrast, both EPA and DHA at higher concentrations (30-100 muM) decreased the expression of Kv1.5-FLAG. EPA at the higher concentrations also decreased mRNA of Kv1.5 and synapse-associated protein 97 expression. EPA at the lower concentrations increased Kv1.5 expression in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and cell membrane. EPA-induced increase of Kv1.5 channel expression and current was abolished by pretreatment with the protein transport inhibitor brefeldin A or colchicines, and by the Kv1.5 channel blocker 4-aminopyridine. Oral administration of EPA (30 mg/kg) increased the level of endogenous Kv1.5 in rat atria. These results indicate that chronic treatment with EPA at lower concentrations stabilizes Kv1.5 channel protein in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus thereby enhancing the Kv1.5 channel current on the cell membrane.

Functional stabilization of Kv1.5 protein by Hsp70 in mammalian cell lines.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms for regulations of cardiac Kv1.5 channel expression. We particularly focused on the role of heat shock proteins (Hsps). We tested the effects of Hsps on the stability of Kv1.5 channels using biochemical and electrophysiological techniques: co-expression of Kv1.5 and Hsp family proteins in mammalian cell lines, followed by Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, pulse-chase analysis, immunofluorescence and whole-cell patch clamp. Hsp70 and heat shock factor 1 increased the expression of Kv1.5 protein in HeLa and COS7 cells, whereas either Hsp40, 27 or 90 did not. Hsp70 prolonged the half-life of Kv1.5 protein. Hsp70 was co-immunoprecipitated and co-localized with Kv1.5-FLAG. Hsp70 significantly increased the immunoreactivity of Kv1.5 in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and on the cell membrane. Hsp70 enhanced Kv1.5 current of transfected cells, which was abolished by pretreatment with brefeldin A or colchicine. Thus, Hsp70, but not other Hsps, stabilizes functional Kv1.5 protein.