Immunolocalization of the TASK2 Potassium Channel in Frog Kidney

TASK2 (K2P5.1, KCNK5) is a two-pore domain K+ channel belonging to the TALK subgroup of the K2P family of proteins. TASK2 expression has been reported in a variety of cells and tissues ranging from kidney to immune cells and including specific neurons, its proposed functions spanning from involvement in the regulation of cell volume to control of excitability. The purpose of this study was to determine the tubule location of the TASK2 K+ channel protein in frog kidney applying polyclonal antibody against the carboxyl terminus of human TASK2 (KCNK5) protein. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TASK2 is expressed on distal tubules and proximal epithelial cells. TASK2 is strongly expressed predominantly on the luminal part of the proximal epithelial cells and slightly cytoplasmatic staining is expressed. Distal tubules showed diffuse cytoplasmatic staining as well as slight staining on the apical parts of the cells. These findings suggest that the TASK2 K+ channel has cell-specific roles in renal potassium ion transport.