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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Molecular underpinnings of ventral surface chemoreceptor function: focus on KCNQ channels

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Author(s):
Mulkey, Daniel K. [1] ; Hawkins, Virginia E. [1] ; Hawryluk, Joanna M. [1] ; Takakura, Ana C. [2] ; Moreira, Thiago S. [3] ; Tzingounis, Anastasios V. [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Connecticut, Dept Physiol & Neurobiol, Storrs, CT 06269 - USA
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Pharmacol, BR-05508 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol & Biophys, BR-05508 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Review article
Source: JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON; v. 593, n. 5, p. 1075-1081, MAR 1 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Central chemoreception is the mechanism by which CO2/H+-sensitive neurons (i.e. chemoreceptors) regulate breathing in response to changes in tissue CO2/H+. Neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) directly regulate breathing in response to changes in tissue CO2/H+ and function as a key locus of respiratory control by integrating information from several respiratory centres, including the medullary raphe. Therefore, chemosensitive RTN neurons appear to be critically important for maintaining breathing, thus understanding molecular mechanisms that regulate RTN chemoreceptor function may identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of respiratory control disorders. We have recently shown that KCNQ (Kv7) channels in the RTN are essential determinants of spontaneous activity ex vivo, and downstream effectors for serotonergic modulation of breathing. Considering that loss of function mutations in KCNQ channels can cause certain types of epilepsy including those associated with sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP), we propose that dysfunctions of KCNQ channels may be one cause for epilepsy and respiratory problems associated with SUDEP. In this review, we will summarize the role of KCNQ channels in the regulation of RTN chemoreceptor function, and suggest that these channels represent useful therapeutic targets for the treatment of respiratory control disorders. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/09776-3 - Neural mechanisms involved in expiratory rhythm generator: possible involvement of the retrotrapezoid nucleus and the parafacial region
Grantee:Ana Carolina Takakura Moreira
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 09/54888-7 - Neural mechanisms involved on chemoreception
Grantee:Eduardo Colombari
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/10573-8 - Ventral surface chemoreceptor neuronal mechanisms
Grantee:Thiago dos Santos Moreira
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants