Tyrosine phosphatases epsilon and alpha perform specific and overlapping functions in regulation of voltage-gated potassium channels in Schwann cells

摘要

Tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) epsilon and alpha are closely related and share several molecular functions, such as regulation of Src family kinases and voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. Functional interrelationships between PTP epsilon and PTP alpha and the mechanisms by which they regulate K+ channels and Src were analyzed in vivo in mice lacking either or both PTPs. Lack of either PTP increases Kv channel activity and phosphorylation in Schwann cells, indicating these PTPs inhibit Kv current amplitude in vivo. Open probability and unitary conductance of Kv channels are unchanged, suggesting an effect on channel number or organization. PTP alpha inhibits Kv channels more strongly than PTP epsilon; this correlates with constitutive association of PTP alpha with Kv2.1, driven by membranal localization of PTP alpha. PTP alpha, but not PTP epsilon, activates Src in sciatic nerve extracts, suggesting Src deregulation is not responsible exclusively for the observed phenotypes and highlighting an unexpected difference between both PTPs. Developmentally, sciatic nerve myelination is reduced transiently in mice lacking either PTP and more so in mice lacking both PTPs, suggesting both PTPs support myelination but are not fully redundant. We conclude that PTP epsilon and PTP alpha differ significantly in their regulation of Kv channels and Src in the system examined and that similarity between PTPs does not necessarily result in full functional redundancy in vivo.