Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: Control by calcium-activated potassium channels.

Title Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: Control by calcium-activated potassium channels.
Authors E. Pchelintseva; M.B.A. Djamgoz
Journal J Cell Physiol
DOI 10.1002/jcp.26120
Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in modern medicine for which understanding the mechanisms controlling their differentiation is fundamental. Ion channels offer novel insights to this process because of their role in modulating membrane potential and intracellular milieu. Here, we evaluate the contribution of calcium-activated potassium (KCa ) channels to the three main components of MSC differentiation: initiation, proliferation, and migration. First, we demonstrate the importance of the membrane potential (Vm ) and the apparent association of hyperpolarization with differentiation. Of KCa subtypes, most evidence points to activity of big-conductance channels in inducing initiation. On the other hand, intermediate-conductance currents have been shown to promote progression through the cell cycle. While there is no information on the role of KCa channels in migration of MSCs, work from other stem cells and cancer cells suggest that intermediate-conductance and to a lesser extent big-conductance channels drive migration. In all cases, these effects depend on species, tissue origin and lineage. Finally, we present a conceptual model that demonstrates how KCa activity could influence differentiation by regulating Vm and intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. We conclude that KCa channels have significant involvement in MSC differentiation and could potentially enable novel tissue engineering approaches and therapies.

Citation E. Pchelintseva; M.B.A. Djamgoz.Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: Control by calcium-activated potassium channels.. J Cell Physiol. 2018;233(5):37553768. doi:10.1002/jcp.26120

Related Elements

Calcium

See more Calcium products. Calcium (atomic symbol: Ca, atomic number: 20) is a Block S, Group 2, Period 4 element with an atomic weight of 40.078. The number of electrons in each of Calcium's shells is [2, 8, 8, 2] and its electron configuration is [Ar]4s2. Calcium Bohr ModelThe calcium atom has a radius of 197 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 231 pm. Calcium was discovered and first isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808. It is the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust and can be found in minerals such as dolomite, gypsum, plagioclases, amphiboles, pyroxenes and garnets. In its elemental form, calcium has a dull gray-silver appearance. Calcium is a reactive, soft metal that is a member of the alkaline earth elements. Elemental CalciumIt frequently serves as an alloying agent for other metals like aluminum and beryllium, and industrial materials like cement and mortar are composed of calcium compounds like calcium carbonate. It is also an biologically essential substance found in teeth, bones, and shells. The name "calcium" originates from the Latin word "calics," meaning lime.

Potassium

Elemental PotassiumSee more Potassium products. Potassium (atomic symbol: K, atomic number: 19) is a Block S, Group 1, Period 4 element with an atomic weight of 39.0983. The number of electrons in each of Potassium's shells is [2, 8, 8, 1] and its electron configuration is [Ar] 4s1. The potassium atom has a radius of 227.2 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 275 pm. Potassium was discovered and first isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807. Potassium is the seventh most abundant element on earth. It is one of the most reactive and electropositive of all metals and rapidly oxidizes. As with other alkali metals, potassium decomposes in water with the evolution of hydrogen because of its reacts violently with water, it only occurs in nature in ionic salts.Potassium Bohr Model In its elemental form, potassium has a silvery gray metallic appearance, but its compounds (such as potassium hydroxide) are more frequently used in industrial and chemical applications. The origin of the element's name comes from the English word 'potash,' meaning pot ashes, and the Arabic word qali, which means alkali. The symbol K originates from the Latin word kalium.