Global S&T Development Trend Analysis Platform of Resources and Environment
TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium (TASK) channels-members of the two pore domain potassium (K-2P) channel family-are found in neurons(1), cardiomyocytes(2-4) and vascular smooth muscle cells(5), where they are involved in the regulation of heart rate(6), pulmonary artery tone(5,7), sleep/wake cycles(8) and responses to volatile anaesthetics(8-11). K-2P channels regulate the resting membrane potential, providing background K+ currents controlled by numerous physiological stimuli(12-15). Unlike other K-2P channels, TASK channels are able to bind inhibitors with high affinity, exceptional selectivity and very slow compound washout rates. As such, these channels are attractive drug targets, and TASK-1 inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for obstructive sleep apnoea and atrial fibrillation(16). In general, potassium channels have an intramembrane vestibule with a selectivity filter situated above and a gate with four parallel helices located below
The X-ray crystal structure of the potassium channel TASK-1 reveals the presence of an X-gate, which traps small-molecule inhibitors in the intramembrane vestibule and explains their low washout rates from the channel.
Neural control of the function of visceral organs is essential for homeostasis and health. Intestinal peristalsis is critical for digestive physiology and host defence, and is often dysregulated in gastrointestinal disorders(1). Luminal factors, such as diet and microbiota, regulate neurogenic programs of gut motility(2-5), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that the transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) functions as a biosensor in intestinal neural circuits, linking their functional output to the microbial environment of the gut lumen. Using nuclear RNA sequencing of mouse enteric neurons that represent distinct intestinal segments and microbiota states, we demonstrate that the intrinsic neural networks of the colon exhibit unique transcriptional profiles that are controlled by the combined effects of host genetic programs and microbial colonization. Microbiota-induced expression of AHR in neurons of the distal gastrointestinal tract enables these neurons to respond to the luminal environment and to induce expression of neuron-specific effector mechanisms. Neuron-specific deletion of Ahr, or constitutive overexpression of its negative feedback regulator CYP1A1, results in reduced peristaltic activity of the colon, similar to that observed in microbiota-depleted mice. Finally, expression of Ahr in the enteric neurons of mice treated with antibiotics partially restores intestinal motility. Together, our experiments identify AHR signalling in enteric neurons as a regulatory node that integrates the luminal environment with the physiological output of intestinal neural circuits to maintain gut homeostasis and health.
In a mouse model, aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling in enteric neurons is revealed as a mechanism that helps to maintain gut homeostasis by integrating the luminal environment with the physiology of intestinal neural circuits.
The first 3D structure of a full-length G-protein-coupled receptor whose natural activator is unknown has been determined, providing insights into an unusual mode of activation and a basis for discovering therapeutics.
A major United Nations summit could see China push for ambitious targets and spotlights the country'