Direct interaction of a brain voltage-gated K⁺ channel with syntaxin 1a: Functional impact on channel gating

Presynaptic voltage-gated K⁺ (Kv) channels play a physiological role in the regulation of transmitter release by virtue of their ability to shape presynaptic action potentials. However, the possibility of a direct interaction of these channels with the exocytotic apparatus has never been examined. We report the existence of a physical interaction in brain synaptosomes between Kvα1.1 and Kvβ subunits with syntaxin 1A, occurring, at least partially, within the context of a macromolecular complex containing syntaxin, synaptotagmin, and SNAP-25. The inter-action was altered after stimulation of neurotransmitter release. The interaction with syntaxin was further characterized in Xenopus oocytes by both overexpression and antisense knockdown of syntaxin. Direct physical interaction of syntaxin with the channel protein resulted in an increase in the extent of fast inactivation of the Kv1.1/Kvβ1.1 channel. Syntaxin also affected the channel amplitude in a biphasic manner, depending on its concentration. At low syntaxin concentrations there was a significant increase in amplitudes, with no detectable change in cell-surface channel expression. At higher concentrations, however, the amplitudes decreased, probably because of a concomitant decrease in cell-surface channel expression, consistent with the role of syntaxin in regulation of vesicle trafficking. The observed physical and functional interactions between syntaxin 1A and a Kv channel may play a role in synaptic efficacy and neuronal excitability.