Abstract
Kelch-like 1 (KLHL1) is a neuronal actin-binding protein that modulates voltage-gated calcium channels. The KLHL1 knockout (KO) model displays altered calcium channel expression in various brain regions. We analyzed the electrical behavior of hypothalamic POMC (proopiomelanocortin) neurons and their response to leptin. Leptin’s effects on POMC neurons include enhanced gene expression, activation of the ERK1/2 pathway and increased electrical excitability. The latter is initiated by activation of the Jak2-PI3K-PLC pathway, which activates TRPC1/5 (Transient Receptor Potential Cation) channels that in turn recruit T-type channel activity resulting in increased excitability. Here we report over-expression of CaV3.1 T-type channels in the hypothalamus of KLHL1 KO mice increased T-type current density and enhanced POMC neuron basal excitability, rendering them electrically unresponsive to leptin. Electrical sensitivity to leptin was restored by partial blockade of T-type channels. The overexpression of hypothalamic T-type channels in POMC neurons may partially contribute to the obese and abnormal feeding phenotypes observed in KLHL1 KO mice.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 718464 |
Journal | Frontiers in Neuroscience |
Volume | 15 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 9 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We thank all members of the Piedras laboratory, O’Connell and Don Carlos for helpful input and comments. This paper is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant no. 1022075 (EP-R).
Publisher Copyright:
© Copyright © 2021 Perissinotti, Martínez-Hernández, He, Koob and Piedras-Rentería.
Keywords
- Ca3.1
- Kelch-like 1
- POMC
- T-type calcium channels
- leptin