Molecular properties of voltage-gated K+ channels |
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Authors: | J Oliver Dolly David N Parcej |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ London, UK |
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Abstract: | Subfamilies of voltage-activated K+ channels (Kv1-4) contribute to controlling neuron excitability and the underlying functional parameters. Genes encoding the multiple subunits from each of these protein groups have been cloned, expressed and the resultant distinct K+ currents characterized. The predicted amino acid sequences showed that each subunit contains six putative membrane-spanning -helical segments (S1-6), with one (S4) being deemed responsible for the channels' voltage sensing. Additionally, there is an H5 region, of incompletely defined structure, that traverses the membrane and forms the ion pore; residues therein responsible for K+ selectivity have been identified. Susceptibility of certain K+ currents produced by the Shaker-related subfamily (Kv1) to inhibition by -dendrotoxin has allowed purification of authentic K+ channels from mammalian brain. These are large (Mr 400 kD), octomeric sialoglycoproteins composed of and subunits in a stoichiometry of ()4()4, with subtypes being created by combinations of subunit isoforms. Subsequent cloning of the genes for 1, 2 and 3 subunits revealed novel sequences for these hydrophilic proteins that are postulated to be associated with the subunits on the inner side of the membrane. Coexpression of 1 and Kv1.4 subunits demonstrated that this auxiliary protein accelerates the inactivation of the K+ current, a striking effect mediated by an N-terminal moiety. Models are presented that indicate the functional domains pinpointed in the channel proteins. |
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Keywords: | Dendrotoxins K+ channels K+ current activation K+ current inactivation K+ filter/pore Shaker and gif" alt="agr" align="BASELINE" BORDER="0"> and -subunit" target="_blank">gif" alt="Bgr" align="BASELINE" BORDER="0">-subunit |
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