Zebrafish Models of KATP Channelopathies

Much work has been carried out to understand the composition, structure, and function of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in mammalian tissues, as well as the molecular basis of the channelopathies that result from loss-of-function or gain-of-function mutations in these channels. These studies have also highlighted that the available pharmacology to treat such diseases is limited. To overcome such limitations, a better understanding of the tissue specificity of expression, the exact mechanisms linking the molecular dysfunction to the development of complex pathophysiology, the potential for reducing cross-reactivity of drugs, and ultimately more specific therapies are needed. The work described in this thesis initially considers zebrafish as a model organism to further understand KATP channel physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Detailed methods are described to isolate cardiac and vascular myocytes for patch-clamp studies. Using these methods, the molecular make-up and properties of zebrafish atrial, ventricular and vascular smooth muscle KATP channels are described, showing that the subunit expression is the same as in equivalent mammalian tissues, validating zebrafish as relevant models of human Cantu Syndrome. Additional studies reveal previously unrecognized secondary consequences of genetic manipulation of KATP channels – including decreased KATP channel expression in the case of a gain-of-function neonatal diabetes mutation and the up-regulation of an unknown large-conductance ATP-insensitive K+ channel accompanying KATP down-regulation in pancreatic β-cells – providing novel hypotheses that may help to explain associated KATP channelopathies.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2021

Author dc:creator

• Singareddy, Soma S

Contributors dc:contributor

• Colin G. Nichols
• Maria S. Remedi

• Engineering

Statement dc:rights

• I have not registered my thesis with the U.S. Copyright Office, and do not intend to.

Language dc:language

English (en)

Identifier

https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/eng_etds/734

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openscholarship.wustl.edu:eng_etds-1786