Molecular biology: generation of transgenic mice, RT-PCR, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, transcript and protein expression, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, microarray analysis of gene expression.

Electrophysiology: macroscopic currents, action potentials, single and multi-unit extracellular recordings, planar multi-electrode arrays, whole-cell recording, patch-clamp, acute brain slices, dissociated primary neuronal cultures, and organotypic cultures.

Systems physiology: telemetry (ECG, EEG, pressure, temperature), bladder cystometry, isometric tension recordings from smooth muscle, cardiovascular function, and circadian behavioral rhythms.

Transgenic Mouse Lines

Global BK channel knockout (Slo^–/–, Kcnma1^–/–)
Available from Jax Labs (Stock #035902 B6.129(FVB)-Kcnma1^tm1Rwa/J)
Citation: JBC 279:36746-36752 (2004)
PCR genotyping protocol & strain info
Transnetyx genotyping (Probes: Kcnma1 WT and Neomycin)
MTA

BK channel gain-of-function, Per1-driven expression (Tg-BK^R207Q)
Citation: PNAS 109(46):18997-9002 (2012).   Genbank Accession #JX429072.
Transnetyx genotyping (Probes: Kcnma1-2 Tg)
MTA

Conditional BK channel knockout, expressing tdTomato (Kcnma1^fl)
Available from Jax Labs (Stock #035901  B6.Cg-Kcnma1^tm1.1Alme/J)
Citation: Physiological Reports 3(11): e12612 (2015).  Genbank Accession # 
Transnetyx genotyping (Probes: Kcnma1-3 WT and tdRFP)
MTA

Beta2 subunit knockout, conditional, (Kcnmb2^–/–), made by Chris Lingle (Wash U)
Citation: Nature Communications Mar 4;7:10837 (2016).
Original Citation for generation of mouse line: J Gen Physiol 144(4):275-95 (2014).
Available from Chris Lingle or Jax Labs (Stock #028416).
Transnetyx genotyping (Probes: Kcnmb2-1 WT and Kcnmb2-1 EX)

Genbank Links for BK Variants (Organized by Publication)

HUMAN BK CHANNEL cDNA sequences

BK_VYR (MG279689) was used in the following publications:

Characterization of new human KCNMA1 Loss-of-Function Mutations. Biophysical Journal 118(3), 114A (2020).

Comparative Gain-of-Function Effects of KCNMA1-N999S Mutation on Human BK Channel Properties. J Neurophysiology 123:560 (2020).

Effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in human KCNMA1 on BK current properties.  Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 12:285(2019).

BK_QEERL (MG279688) used in: Effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in human KCNMA1 on BK current properties.  Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 12:285(2019).

MOUSE BK CHANNEL cDNA sequences

BK channels regulate sinoatrial node firing rate and cardiac pacing in vivo.  AJP- Heart 307(9):H1327-38 (2014).

– BK_QEERL (KF530043), BK_VYR (KF530042) 

Phosphorylation of a constitutive serine inhibits BK channel variants containing the alternate exon ‘SRKR’.  J General Physiology 142 (6):585-598 (2013).

– BK_SRKR (JX462785); Mutations: BK_SRKR-S642A, , BK_SRKR-R640Q/R645Q
– BK_SRKR with YFP tag (JX462786)
– mbr5:YFP (KF530038)
– C2:YFP (KF530044)
– C3:YFP (KF530036)
– C4:YFP, also called BK_VYR (KF530042)
– BK₀:YFP (KF530040); Mutations: BK₀-S642D

Mis-expression of the BK K⁺ channel disrupts suprachiasmatic nucleus circuit rhythmicity and alters clock-controlled behavior. AJP- Cell Physiology 304(4):C299-C311 (2013).

Genetic activation of BK currents in vivo generates bi-directional effects on neuronal excitability.  PNAS 109(46):18997-9002 (2012).
– Tg-BK^R207Q (JX429072)

Others 

MOUSE

– C5c:YFP (KF530037)
– Aorta1 (Ao1:YFP) (KF530039)