Fig 2: Expression of KCNQ and bradykinin receptor B2 (Bdkrb2) mRNA transcripts in mouse colon-projecting sensory neurones by single-cell qRT-PCR. (a) Proportion of thoracolumbar and lumbosacral colon-projecting sensory neurons expressing transcripts for Bdkrb2, KCNQ1, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNQ4 and KCNQ5. *P < 0.05 versus TL, unpaired t-test. Co-expression analysis of Bdkrb2, KCNQ1, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNQ4 and KCNQ5 transcripts in thoracolumbar (b) and lumbosacral (c) colonic sensory neurons. Each segment represents a single cell with a filled coloured block signifying positive expression.

Fig 3: Expression of KV7 channels in mouse colon and mesenteric neurovasculature. (a) KV7.3 co-expression with CGRP-positive neurons within the myenteric plexus (MP) of mouse colon (tissue sections). Panel (iv) is a schematic representation of endings that co-label for CGRP and KV7.3 (in black) surrounding neuronal cell bodies (in grey) of the myenteric plexus. (b) In the mesentery associated with the colon, KV7.3 co-localizes with CGRP-positive neurons (white arrowheads) surrounding blood vessels (BV) in whole mounts. (c) KV7.5 is expressed in the serosal layer of mouse colon and co-localizes with CGRP-positive fibres in the myenteric plexus (tissue sections). (d) CGRP positive neurons that run alongside blood vessels found within the mesenteric attachment to the colon co-express KV7.5 (whole mounts). Punctate staining for KV7.5 is also found around CGRP positive nerve bundle (NF). All images taken at 40X, scale bar = 25 µm. Figures b(iii) and d(iii) are 4X of the original images, b(i) and d(i).LM: longitudinal muscle; CM: circular muscle.

Fig 4: Co-localization of KV7 channels with CGRP neurons in human bowel tissues. (a) Sub-mucosal plexus (SP) showing KV7.3 expressed on CGRP-positive neurons (white arrows) in human ileum. (b) KV7.5 is expressed on CGRP-positive fibres (white arrows) within the myenteric plexus (MP) of human colon. All images taken using 40X objective. Scale bar = 40 µm.