Using patch-clamp techniques, a Ca2+-dependent, voltage-gated K+ channel [K(Ca) channel] was isolated from the basolateral membrane of NaCl-absorbing intestinal epithelial cells of the goby Gillichthys mirabilis. This K(Ca) channel had a high conductance (approximately 150 pS) in the physiological range of membrane potential. Conclusive identification as a K+ channel is supported by dependence of the reversal potential for single-channel current on the K+ concentration gradient and the ability of Ba2+, Cs+ and other pharmacological agents to block the channel. The channel was highly selective for K+ over Na+ (PNa/PK=0.04). Channel activity, expressed as open probability (Po), was dependent on membrane potential with depolarization increasing Po over the physiological range in the presence of Ca2+. Channel activity was also dependent on cytoplasmic-side Ca2+. Po was reduced to near-zero levels following EGTA chelation of Ca2+ in the solution bathing the cytoplasmic face of excised membrane patches; channel activity was most sensitive to changes in Ca2+ concentration between 10nmoll−1 and 10μmoll−1. This K(Ca) channel may be one of several avenues for K+ exit across the basolateral cell membrane and, as such, may play roles in both transepithelial salt transport and maintenance of intracellular ionic composition.
2023 JEB Outstanding Paper Prize shortlist and winner
The JEB Editors are delighted to announce the shortlisted authors for the 2023 JEB Outstanding Paper Prize. Read the winning paper - Tiny spies: mosquito antennae are sensitive sensors for eavesdropping on frog calls - by Hoover Pantoja-Sanchez and Brian Leavell from Ximena Bernal's lab at Purdue University, USA.
JEB Science Communication Workshop for ECRs
If you’re an early-career researcher interested in science communication and are attending the SEB Annual Conference in Prague this summer, come a day early and join the JEB Editors at a sci comm workshop to learn the key writing skills needed to promote your research to a broad audience beyond your peers (1 July at 14.30-17.30). Places are limited to 24 attendees, and applicants should apply through the SEB registration page by 30 April 2024.
Bridging the gap between controlled conditions and natural habitats in understanding behaviour
Novel technologies enable behavioural experiments with non-model species, in naturalistic habitats and with underexplored behaviours. In their Commentary, Scholz and colleagues discuss how to obtain a deeper understanding of the natural ecology and lifestyle of study animals.
Beluga metabolic measures could help save species
To help save animals from extinction, it’s important to understand what each species needs to survive. This led Jason John et al. to measure the metabolic rates of captive belugas to develop a ‘fish calculator’ showing that the whales need to eat ~23 salmon per day.
ECR Workshop on Positive Peer Review
Are you an ECR looking for tips on how to write concise, astute and useful manuscript reviews? If so, join the JEB Editors at a 2-hour JEB-sponsored Workshop on Positive Peer Review at the Canadian Society of Zoologists annual meeting in Moncton on 9 May 2024 at 13.00-15.00. There are 25 spaces for ECRs and selection is first come, first serve. To sign up, check the ECR Workshop box when you register for the CSZ meeting.
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