A novel mitochondrial Kv1.3–caveolin axis controls cell survival and apoptosis

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 plays an apparent dual physiological role by participating in activation and proliferation of leukocytes as well promoting apoptosis several types tumor cells. Therefore, is considered a potential pharmacological target for immunodeficiency cancer. Different cellular locations Kv1.3, at the plasma membrane or mitochondria, could be responsible such duality. While facilitates proliferation, mitochondrial modulates apoptotic signaling. Several molecular determinants drive to cell surface, but no information available about its targeting. Caveolins, which are able modulate survival, participate targeting Kv1.3. channel, via caveolin-binding domain (CBD), associates with caveolin 1 (Cav1), localizes lipid raft microdomains. aim our study was understand interactions not only also survival mammalian By using association-deficient (Kv1.3 CBD less ), we demonstrate here that while Kv1.3–Cav1 interaction localization membrane, lack accumulates mitochondria. severely affects physiology indicating functional link Cav1 within mitochondria pro-apoptotic effects channel. balance exerted these two complementary mechanisms fine-tune during apoptosis. Our data highlight unexpected caveolin–Kv1.3 axis