Discovery and characterization of Hv1-type proton channels in reef-building corals

Voltage-dependent proton-permeable channels are membrane proteins mediating a number of important physiological functions. Here we report the presence of a gene encoding Hv1 voltage-dependent, proton-permeable channels in two species of reef-building corals. We performed a characterization of their...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:eLife
Main Authors: Gisela Rangel-Yescas, Cecilia Cervantes, Miguel A Cervantes-Rocha, Esteban Suárez-Delgado, Anastazia T Banaszak, Ernesto Maldonado, Ian Scott Ramsey, Tamara Rosenbaum, Leon D Islas
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: eLife Sciences Publications Ltd 2021
Subjects:
Hv1
R
Q
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.69248
https://doaj.org/article/d43519a4b7d44809a375b212c22eea6b
Description
Summary:Voltage-dependent proton-permeable channels are membrane proteins mediating a number of important physiological functions. Here we report the presence of a gene encoding Hv1 voltage-dependent, proton-permeable channels in two species of reef-building corals. We performed a characterization of their biophysical properties and found that these channels are fast-activating and modulated by the pH gradient in a distinct manner. The biophysical properties of these novel channels make them interesting model systems. We have also developed an allosteric gating model that provides mechanistic insight into the modulation of voltage-dependence by protons. This work also represents the first functional characterization of any ion channel in scleractinian corals. We discuss the implications of the presence of these channels in the membranes of coral cells in the calcification and pH-regulation processes and possible consequences of ocean acidification related to the function of these channels.