Title | A family of auxiliary subunits of the TRP cation channel encoded by the complex inaF locus |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Chen Z, Montell C |
Journal | Genetics |
Volume | 215 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 713-728 |
Date Published | 2020 Jul |
ISSN | 1943-2631 |
Abstract | TRP channels function in many types of sensory receptor cells. Despite extensive analyses, an open question is whether there exists a family of auxiliary subunits, which could influence localization, trafficking, and function of TRP channels. Here, using , we reveal a previously unknown TRP interacting protein, INAF-C, which is expressed exclusively in the ultraviolet-sensing R7 photoreceptor cells. INAF-C is encoded by an unusual locus comprised of four distinct coding regions, which give rise to four unique single-transmembrane-containing proteins. With the exception of INAF-B, roles for the other INAF proteins were unknown. We found that both INAF-B and INAF-C are required for TRP stability and localization in R7 cells. Conversely, loss of just INAF-B greatly reduced TRP from other types of photoreceptor cells, but not R7. The requirements for TRP and INAF are reciprocal, since loss of TRP decreased the concentrations of both INAF-B and INAF-C. INAF-A, which is not normally expressed in photoreceptor cells, can functionally substitute for INAF-B, indicating that it is a third TRP auxiliary protein. Reminiscent of the structural requirements between K channels and KCNE auxiliary subunits, the codependencies of TRP and INAF depended on several transmembrane domains (TMDs) in TRP, and the TMD and the C-terminus of INAF-B. Our studies support a model in which the locus encodes a family of at least three TRP auxiliary subunits. |
DOI | 10.1534/genetics.120.303268 |
Alternate Journal | Genetics |
PubMed ID | 32434796 |
Grant List | R01 EY010852 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States |