The Sulfonylurea Receptor 1 (Sur1)-Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 (Trpm4) Channel

The sulfonylurea receptor 1 (Sur1)-NC Ca-ATP channel plays a central role in necrotic cell death in central nervous system (CNS) injury, including ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Here, we show that Sur1-NC Ca-ATP channels are formed by co-assembly of Sur1 and transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (Trpm4). Co-expression of Sur1 and Trpm4 yielded Sur1-Trpm4 heteromers, as shown in experiments with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and co-immunoprecipitation. Co-expression of Sur1 and Trpm4 also yielded functional Sur1-Trpm4 channels with biophysical properties of Trpm4 and pharmacological properties of Sur1. Co-assembly with Sur1 doubled the affinity of Trpm4 for calmodulin and doubled its sensitivity to intracellular calcium. Experiments with FRET and co-immunoprecipitation showed de novo appearance of Sur1-Trpm4 heteromers after spinal cord injury in rats. Our findings depart from the long-held view of an exclusive association between Sur1 and K ATP channels and reveal an unexpected molecular partnership with far-ranging implications for CNS injury. Background: Sur1-NC Ca-ATP channels implicated in acute CNS injury are hypothesized to be formed by co-association of Sur1 and a nonselective cation channel. Results: Sur1 and Trpm4 form heteromers that exhibit pharmacological properties of Sur1 and biophysical properties of Trpm4. Conclusion: Sur1 and Trpm4 co-assemble to form the unique Sur1-Trpm4 channel. Significance: Identification of Sur1-Trpm4 channels has broad implications in acute CNS injuries.