NRA-2, a nicalin homolog, regulates neuronal death by controlling surface localization of toxic caenorhabditis elegans DEG/ENaC channels

Abstract

Background: Mechanisms that regulate plasma membrane expression of neuronally toxic DEG/ENaC channels are unclear., Results: Disruption of ER NRA-2, a Nicalin homolog, enhances C. Elegans MEC-10(d) DEG/ENaC neurotoxicity. Immunocytochemistry, TIRF imaging, and electrophysiological assays support that NRA-2 controls relative MEC-10(d) distribution between ER and cell surface to regulate channel activity levels., Conclusion: NRA-2 regulates surface expression of a mutant DEG/ENaC channel., Significance: NRA-2 Nicalin can modulate DEG/ENaC pathophysiology. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.