4h37

Publication Abstract from PubMed

Voltage-gated K(+) channels underlie the electrical excitability of cells. Each subunit of the functional tetramer consists of the tandem fusion of two modules, an N-terminal voltage-sensor and a C-terminal pore. To investigate how sensor coupling to the pore generates voltage-dependent channel opening, we solved the crystal structure and characterized the function of a voltage-gated K(+) channel pore in a lipid membrane. The structure of a functional channel in a membrane environment at 3.1 A resolution establishes an unprecedented connection between channel structure and function. The structure is unique in delineating an ion-occupied ready to conduct selectivity filter, a confined aqueous cavity, and a closed activation gate, embodying a dynamic entity trapped in an unstable closed state.

Crystal Structure of a Voltage-gated K+ Channel Pore Module in a Closed State in Lipid Membranes.,Santos JS, Asmar-Rovira GA, Han GW, Liu W, Syeda R, Cherezov V, Baker KA, Stevens RC, Montal M J Biol Chem. 2012 Dec 14;287(51):43063-70. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.415091. Epub, 2012 Oct 24. PMID:23095758^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.