A carboxy-terminal domain determines the subunit specificity of KCNQ K+ channel assembly

Mutations in KCNQ K⁺ channel genes underlie several human pathologies. KCNQ α-subunits form either homotetramers or hetero-oligomers with a restricted subset of other KCNQ α-subunits or with KCNE β-subunits. KCNQ1 assembles with KCNE β-subunits but not with other KCNQ α-subunits. By contrast, KCNQ3 interacts with KCNQ2, KCNQ4 and KCNQ5. Using a chimaeric strategy, we show that a cytoplasmic carboxy-terminal subunit interaction domain (sid) suffices to transfer assembly properties between KCNQ3 and KCNQ1. A chimaera (KCNQ1-sid_Q3) carrying the si domain of KCNQ3 within the KCNQ1 backbone interacted with KCNQ2, KCNQ3 and KCNQ4 but not with KCNQ1. This interaction was shown by enhancement of KCNQ2 currents, testing for dominant-negative effects of pore mutants, determining its effects on surface expression and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Conversely, a KCNQ3-sid_Q1 chimaera no longer affects KCNQ2 but interacts with KCNQ1. We conclude that the si domain suffices to determine the subunit specificity of KCNQ channel assembly.