Topic: TRAAK

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a critical compartment in neurons. It converts postsynaptic input into action potentials that trigger information transfer to target cells. This process relies on several voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels that accumulate in high densities at the AIS. Here, we identify the mechanosensitive potassium channel TRAAK (K2P4.1) as a component of the AIS in adult rat hippocampus and in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We furthermore show that the AIS localization of TRAAK is driven by a C-terminal sequence that bears resemblance to ankyrin G bind

The advent of superresolution microscopy uncovered the presence of the membrane-associated periodic skeleton (MPS), a part of the neuronal cytoskeleton that is organized in a periodic localization pattern. Central to this structure are spectrin tetramers, which localize rings of actin filaments at an average distance of 190 nm. The MPS is particularly pronounced in the axon, where it appears able to recruit ion channels and signaling platforms into similar periodic localization patterns, suggesting the MPS plays a key role in orchestrating neuronal signaling. Despite this, precise quantificati