Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research
Alterations in intracellular potassium concentration by HIV-1 and SIV Nef
Published in: Virology Journal | Issue 1/2008
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Background
HIV-1 mediated perturbation of the plasma membrane can produce an alteration in the transmembrane gradients of cations and other small molecules leading to cell death. Several HIV-1 proteins have been shown to perturb membrane permeability and ion transport. Xenopus laevis oocytes have few functional endogenous ion channels, and have proven useful as a system to examine direct effects of exogenously added proteins on ion transport.
Results
HIV-1 Nef induces alterations in the intracellular potassium concentration in CD4+ T-lymphoblastoid cells, but not intracellular pH. Two electrode voltage-clamp recording was used to determine that Nef did not form ion channel-like pores in Xenopus oocytes.
Conclusion
These results suggest that HIV-1 Nef regulates intracellular ion concentrations indirectly, and may interact with membrane proteins such as ion channels to modify their electrical properties.