TWIK-1/TASK-3 heterodimeric channels contribute to the neurotensin-mediated excitation of hippocampal dentate gyrus granule cells

Abstract

Nerve cell communication: Controlling excitation Inhibition of potassium channels by the hormone neurotensin (NT) increases the excitability of the dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs) of the hippocampus in the mouse brain. A study led by Jae-Yong Park at Korea University and Eun Mi Hwang at Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, found that the potassium channels TWIK-1 and TASK-3 associate with each other on the membrane of DGGCs. They showed that NT-mediated activation of NT receptor 1 regulates the electrical properties of DGGCs by inhibiting the TWIK-1/TASK-3 complex. This leads to a decrease in the number of potassium ions pumped out of DGGCs and increases in the DGGCs’ ability to transmit information. Further studies on the mechanisms regulating these channels will contribute to our understanding of how they influence information processing in the hippocampus.