Calcium induced calcium release in proximity to hair cell BK channels revealed by PKA activation

Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels play a critical role in electrical resonance, a mechanism of frequency selectivity in chicken hair cells. We determine that BK currents are dependent on inward flow of Ca2+, and intracellular buffering of Ca2+. Entry of Ca2+ is further amplified locally by Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release (CICR) in close proximity to plasma membrane BK channels. Ca2+ imaging reveals peripheral clusters of high concentrations of Ca2+ that are suprathreshold to that needed to activate BK channels. PKA activation increases BK currents likely by recruiting more BK channels due to spatial spread of high Ca2+ concentrations in turn from increasing CICR. STORM imaging confirms the presence of nanodomains with ryanodine and IP3 receptors in close proximity to the Slo subunit of BK channels. Together, these data require a rethinking of how electrical resonance is brought about and suggest effects of CICR in synaptic release. Both genders were included in this study.