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Expression and effects of modulation of the K2P potassium channels TREK-1 (KCNK2) and TREK-2 (KCNK10) in the normal human ovary and epithelial ovarian cancer

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Abstract

Purpose

Aberrant expression of potassium (K+) channels contributes to cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, and K+ channel blockers can inhibit cell proliferation. TREK-1 and -2 belong to the two-pore domain (K2P) superfamily. We report TREK-1 and -2 expression in ovarian cancer and normal ovaries, and the effects of TREK-1 modulators on cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods

The cellular localisation of TREK-1 and -2 was investigated by immunofluorescence in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cell lines and in cultured ovarian surface epithelium and cancer. Channel expression in normal ovaries and cancer was quantified by western blotting. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the association between channel expression and disease prognosis, stage, and grade. TREK-1 modulation of cell proliferation in the cell lines was investigated with the MTS-assay and the effect on apoptosis determined using flow cytometry.

Results

Expression was identified in both cell lines, ovarian cancer (n = 22) and normal ovaries (n = 6). IHC demonstrated positive staining for TREK-1 and -2 in 95.7 % of tumours (n = 69) and 100 % of normal ovaries (n = 9). A reduction in cell proliferation (P < 0.05) was demonstrated at 96 h in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells incubated TREK-1 modulating agents. Curcumin caused a significant reduction in early apoptosis in SKOV-3 (P < 0.001) and OVCAR-3 (P < 0.0001) cells and a significant increase in late apoptosis in SKOV-3 (P < 0.01) and OVCAR-3 cells (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

TREK-1 and -2 are expressed in normal ovaries and ovarian cancer. TREK-1 modulators have a significant effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis. We propose investigation of the therapeutic potential of TREK-1 blockers is warranted.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Andrea Gooding for blinding of archival samples.

Conflict of interest

None to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, University of Nottingham, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK

    A. Innamaa, L. Jackson, V. Asher, A. Warren, D. Hay & R. Khan

  2. Department of Histopathology, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3NE, UK

    G. van Schalkwyk

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3NE, UK

    A. Keightley & A. Bali

  4. University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK

    H. Sowter

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  1. A. Innamaa
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  2. L. Jackson
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  4. G. van Schalkwyk
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  5. A. Warren
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  9. H. Sowter
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  10. R. Khan
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Correspondence to A. Innamaa or R. Khan.

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Innamaa, A., Jackson, L., Asher, V. et al. Expression and effects of modulation of the K2P potassium channels TREK-1 (KCNK2) and TREK-2 (KCNK10) in the normal human ovary and epithelial ovarian cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 15, 910–918 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-013-1022-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-013-1022-4

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