Region-specific expression of a K+ channel gene in brain.

Rudy, B; Kentros, C; Weiser, M; Fruhling, D; Serodio, P; Vega-Saenz de Miera, E; Ellisman, M H; Pollock, J A; Baker, H

Region-specific expression of a K+ channel gene in brain.

Authors

Vega-Saenz de Miera, E

Ellisman, M H

Pollock, J A

Baker, H

Publisher

National Academy of Sciences

Description

Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization studies reveal the highly localized expression in rat brain of transcripts from a gene (KShIIIA) encoding components for voltage-gated K+ channels. KShIIIA expression is particularly prominent throughout the dorsal thalamus. The expression of KShIIIA is compared to that of a closely related gene, here called NGK2-KV4. These two genes encode transcripts that induce currents in Xenopus oocytes that are as of yet indistinguishable, but they show very different patterns of expression in rat brain. NGK2-KV4 transcripts are particularly abundant in the cerebellar cortex, where KShIIIA expression is very weak. These results demonstrate the existence of cell-type-specific K+ channel components and suggest that one reason for the unusually large diversity of K+ channel proteins is the presence of subtypes that participate in specific brain functions. IMAGES: