A corticosteroid-induced gene expressing an "IsK-like" K⁺ channel activity in Xenopus oocytes

Screening a rat colon cDNA library for aldosterone-induced genes resulted in the molecular cloning of a cDNA whose corresponding mRNA is strongly induced in the colon by dexamethasone, aldosterone, and a low NaCl diet. A similar mRNA was detected in kidney papilla but not in brain, heart, or skeletal muscle. Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with cRNA synthesized from this clone, designated CHIF (channel-inducing factor), express a K⁺-specific channel activity. The biophysical, pharmacological, and regulatory characteristics of this channel are very similar to those reported before for IsK (minK). These include: slow (τ > 20 s) activation by membrane depolarization with a threshold potential above -50 mV, blockade by clofilium, inhibition by phorbol ester, and activation by 8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate and high cytoplasmic Ca²⁺. The primary structure of this clone, however, shows no homology to IsK. Instead, CHIF exhibits >50% similarity to two other short bitopic membrane proteins, phospholemman and the γ subunit of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase. The data are consistent with the possibility that CHIF is a member of a family of transmembrane regulators capable of activating endogenous oocyte transport proteins.