LRMP Disrupts cAMP-Dependent Regulation of HCN4 Channels by Interfering with Intramolecular Signal Transduction

Core Concepts

LRMP inhibits the cAMP-dependent potentiation of HCN4 channels by disrupting the intramolecular signal transduction between cyclic nucleotide binding and channel gating, in an HCN4-specific manner.

Abstract

The content describes how the lymphoid restricted membrane protein (LRMP) regulates the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-sensitive (HCN4) channel. Key highlights:

LRMP prevents the cAMP-dependent depolarizing shift in HCN4 activation without affecting cAMP binding to the channel.
The N-terminal 227 residues of LRMP are necessary and sufficient for regulating HCN4, and this region interacts with the N-terminus of HCN4.
The distal N-terminus and specific residues in the C-linker and S5 region of HCN4 are required for LRMP regulation.
Introducing the HCN4 N-terminus and mutating 5 residues in the HCN2 C-linker and S5 regions to the cognate HCN4 residues is sufficient to confer LRMP regulation onto HCN2.
The results suggest LRMP disrupts the intramolecular signal transduction between cAMP binding and channel gating in an HCN4-specific manner, likely via effects on the cAMP transduction center formed by the N-terminus, C-linker, and S4-S5 linker.

Stats

"HCN4 in the presence of LRMP 1-479Cit showed a significant slowing of deactivation in response to cAMP (P = 0.0310)."
"Truncation of the first 185 residues of the HCN4 N-terminus completely abolished LRMP regulation of the channel."
"Mutation of the two non-conserved residues in the HCN2 C-linker (HCN2 A467P/F469T) alone were not sufficient to confer regulation by LRMP onto HCN2."
"The chimeric HCN2-4N VVGPT channel, containing the HCN4 distal N-terminus and 5 HCN4-specific residues near the cAMP-transduction center, was fully regulated by LRMP."

Quotes

"LRMP inhibits HCN4 through an isoform-specific interaction involving the N-terminals of both proteins that prevents the transduction of cAMP binding into a change in channel gating via an HCN4-specific orientation of the N-terminus, C-linker, and S4-S5 linker."
"The N-terminus of LRMP is tethered to HCN4 via an interaction between the N-terminals of the two proteins. Within the HCN4, the interaction with LRMP occurs via the distal N-terminus, which is not resolved in channel structures and is completely divergent between HCN channel isoforms."
"Our model is that LRMP interacts with the N-terminus of the HCN4 and prevents cAMP regulation of the channel allosterically via effects on the unique transduction centre."

Key Insights Distilled From

LRMP inhibits cAMP potentiation of HCN4 channels by disrupting intramolecular signal transduction

by Bankston,J. ... at www.biorxiv.org 09-01-2023

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.29.555242v2

Deeper Inquiries

How might the interaction between LRMP and HCN4 be coordinated with the regulation of IP3 receptors in the ER membrane by LRMP, and what physiological implications could this have?

The interaction between LRMP and HCN4, along with the regulation of IP3 receptors in the ER membrane by LRMP, could potentially be coordinated in cells where both LRMP and HCN4 are co-expressed. LRMP is known to regulate Ca2+ release through IP3 receptors in the ER membrane, likely via a site in the coiled-coil region. This suggests the intriguing possibility of coordination between the activity of IP3 receptors and HCN4, potentially forming ER-plasma membrane junctions. In tissues like the sinoatrial node of the heart, where HCN4 and SR Ca2+ release play crucial roles in pacemaking, the interaction between LRMP and HCN4 could serve to synchronize these processes. This coordination could impact the rhythmicity of the heart by modulating the interplay between pacemaking currents and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics.

What structural features of the HCN4 N-terminus and C-linker/S5 region confer the unique sensitivity to LRMP regulation compared to other HCN isoforms?

The unique sensitivity of HCN4 to LRMP regulation compared to other HCN isoforms can be attributed to specific structural features in the HCN4 N-terminus and C-linker/S5 region. The interaction between LRMP and HCN4 is primarily mediated by the N-terminus of both proteins. The non-conserved distal N-terminus of HCN4 plays a crucial role in LRMP regulation, as truncation of this region abolishes LRMP's effect on channel gating. Additionally, unique residues in the C-linker and S5 region of HCN4, such as P545 and T547, are essential for LRMP regulation. These specific residues likely contribute to the distinct conformation and function of the cAMP transduction center in HCN4, making it more susceptible to modulation by LRMP compared to other HCN isoforms.

Could the LRMP-HCN4 interaction and regulation be targeted therapeutically to modulate cardiac pacemaking or other physiological processes involving HCN4?

The LRMP-HCN4 interaction and regulation could indeed be a potential therapeutic target for modulating cardiac pacemaking and other physiological processes involving HCN4. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of LRMP inhibition of HCN4, novel drugs could be developed to selectively modulate HCN4 channel activity. Targeting this interaction could have implications in cardiac arrhythmias, where abnormal pacemaking currents contribute to irregular heart rhythms. By specifically modulating HCN4 activity through LRMP, it may be possible to fine-tune pacemaking in the heart and potentially treat conditions like bradycardia or tachycardia. Additionally, targeting the LRMP-HCN4 interaction could have broader implications in neuronal excitability and other cellular processes where HCN4 channels play a significant role. Further research in this area could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for a range of conditions involving HCN4 dysfunction.