Publication Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Norma Adragna (Committee Member), David Cool (Committee Member), Mauricio Di Fulvio (Advisor), Peter Lauf (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
The Slc12a5 gene encodes the neuron-specific electroneutral K+Cl- cotransporter-2 (KCC2), a constitutively active Cl- extruder. In mature neurons, KCC2 functionally predominates over other members of the Slc12a family, particularly the Na+K+2Cl- cotransporter-1 (NKCC1), a ubiquitous Cl- loader. Therefore, KCC2 keeps and maintains the intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl-]i) below values predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium and in doing so, KCC2 plays a key role in neuron physiology: it makes possible the inhibitory action of neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine. Neurons and insulin-secreting pancreatic ß-cells share many genes and functions. Indeed, neuron-specific genes have been also found in ß-cells whereas both neurons and ß-cells are electrically excitable. Our experiments demonstrate that, like in neurons, KCC2 is expressed in ß-cells and suggest that the functional balance NKCC1/KCC2 modulates insulin secretion in response to glucose.
Page Count
114
Department or Program
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Year Degree Awarded
2014
Copyright
Copyright 2014, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
