Human myoblast fusion requires expression of functional inward rectifier Kir2.1 channels.

ABSTRACT: Myoblast fusion is essential to skeletal muscle development and repair. We have demonstrated previously that human myoblasts hyperpolarize, before fusion, through the sequential expression of two K+ channels: an ether-à-go-go and an inward rectifier. This hyperpolarization is a prerequisite for fusion, as it sets the resting membrane potential in a range at which Ca2+ can enter myoblasts and thereby trigger fusion via a window current through alpha1H T channels.

SUBMITTER: Fischer-Lougheed J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2192379 | biostudies-literature | 2001 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature