Publication
Title
A Kv channel with an altered activation gate sequence displays both "fast" and "slow" activation kinetics
Author
Abstract
The Kv14 families of K+ channels contain a tandem proline motif (PXP) in the S6 helix that is crucial for channel gating. In human Kv1.5, replacing the first proline by an alanine resulted in a nonfunctional channel. This mutant was rescued by introducing another proline at a nearby position, changing the sequence into AVPP. This resulted in a channel that activated quickly (ms range) upon the first depolarization. However, thereafter, the channel became trapped in another gating mode that was characterized by slow activation kinetics (s range) with a shallow voltage dependence. The switch in gating mode was observed even with very short depolarization steps, but recovery to the initial "fast" mode was extremely slow. Computational modeling suggested that switching occurred during channel deactivation. To test the effect of the altered PXP sequence on the mobility of the S6 helix, we used molecular dynamics simulations of the isolated S6 domain of wild type (WT) and mutants starting from either a closed or open conformation. The WT S6 helix displayed movements around the PXP region with simulations starting from either state. However, the S6 with a AVPP sequence displayed flexibility only when started from the closed conformation and was rigid when started from the open state. These results indicate that the region around the PXP motif may serve as a "hinge" and that changing the sequence to AVPP results in channels that deactivate to a state with an alternate configuration that renders them "reluctant" to open subsequently.
Language
English
Source (journal)
American journal of physiology : cell physiology. - Bethesda, Md, 1977, currens
Publication
Bethesda, Md : 2008
ISSN
0363-6143 [print]
1522-1563 [online]
DOI
10.1152/AJPCELL.00479.2007
Volume/pages
294 :6 (2008) , p. 1476-1484
ISI
000256574900022
Note
doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00479.2007
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Molecular coupling between voltage sensing and gating in Kv-channels.
Publication type
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 08.10.2008
Last edited 23.08.2022
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