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Zhang X, Zhao Q, Yang F, Lan Z, Li Y, Xiao M, Yu H, Li Z, Zhou Y, Wu Y, Cao Z, Yin S. Mechanisms underlying the inhibition of KV1.3 channel by scorpion toxin ImKTX58. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 102:150-160. [PMID: 35764383 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated KV1.3 channel has been reported to be a drug target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and specific inhibitors of Kv1.3 are potential therapeutic drugs for multiple diseases. The scorpions could produce various bioactive peptides which could inhibit KV1.3 channel. Here we identified a new scorpion toxin polypeptide gene ImKTX58 from the venom gland cDNA library of the Chinese scorpion Isometrus maculatus Sequence alignment revealed high similarities between ImKTX58 mature peptide and previously reported KV1.3 channel blockers - LmKTX10 and ImKTX88, suggesting that ImKTX58 peptide might also be a KV1.3 channel blocker. By using electrophysiological recordings, we showed that recombinant ImKTX58 prepared by genetic engineering technologies had a highly selective inhibiting effect on KV1.3 channel. Further alanine scanning mutagenesis and computer simulation identified four amino acid residues in ImKTX58 peptide as key binding sites to KV1.3 channel by forming hydrogen bonds, salt bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Among these four residues, 28th lysine of the ImKTX58 mature peptide was found to be the most critical amino acid residue for blocking KV1.3 channel. Significance Statement In this study, we discovered a scorpion toxin gene ImKTX58 which has not been reported before in Hainan Isometrus maculatus and successfully used prokaryotic expression system to express and purify the polypeptides encoded by this gene. Electrophysiological experiments on ImKTX58 showed that ImKTX58 has a selectively blocking effects on KV1.3 channel over Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.5, SK2, SK3 and BK channels. These findings provide a theoretical basis for designing highly effective KV1.3 blockers to treat autoimmune and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Qianru Zhao
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | - Zhen Lan
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhou
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- Department of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- Department of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | - Shijin Yin
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
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2
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Gubič Š, Hendrickx LA, Toplak Ž, Sterle M, Peigneur S, Tomašič T, Pardo LA, Tytgat J, Zega A, Mašič LP. Discovery of K V 1.3 ion channel inhibitors: Medicinal chemistry approaches and challenges. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2423-2473. [PMID: 33932253 PMCID: PMC8252768 DOI: 10.1002/med.21800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The KV 1.3 voltage-gated potassium ion channel is involved in many physiological processes both at the plasma membrane and in the mitochondria, chiefly in the immune and nervous systems. Therapeutic targeting KV 1.3 with specific peptides and small molecule inhibitors shows great potential for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and myasthenia gravis. However, no KV 1.3-targeted compounds have been approved for therapeutic use to date. This review focuses on the presentation of approaches for discovering new KV 1.3 peptide and small-molecule inhibitors, and strategies to improve the selectivity of active compounds toward KV 1.3. Selectivity of dalatazide (ShK-186), a synthetic derivate of the sea anemone toxin ShK, was achieved by chemical modification and has successfully reached clinical trials as a potential therapeutic for treating autoimmune diseases. Other peptides and small-molecule inhibitors are critically evaluated for their lead-like characteristics and potential for progression into clinical development. Some small-molecule inhibitors with well-defined structure-activity relationships have been optimized for selective delivery to mitochondria, and these offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancers. This overview of KV 1.3 inhibitors and methodologies is designed to provide a good starting point for drug discovery to identify novel effective KV 1.3 modulators against this target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Špela Gubič
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Louise A. Hendrickx
- Toxicology and PharmacologyUniversity of Leuven, Campus GasthuisbergLeuvenBelgium
| | - Žan Toplak
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Maša Sterle
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | | | - Luis A. Pardo
- AG OncophysiologyMax‐Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGöttingenGermany
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and PharmacologyUniversity of Leuven, Campus GasthuisbergLeuvenBelgium
| | - Anamarija Zega
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
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3
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Liu J, Lv XW, Zhang L, Wang H, Li J, Wu B. Review on Biological Characteristics of Kv1.3 and Its Role in Liver Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652508. [PMID: 34093186 PMCID: PMC8176307 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver accounts for the largest proportion of macrophages in all solid organs of the human body. Liver macrophages are mainly composed of cytolytic cells inherent in the liver and mononuclear macrophages recruited from the blood. Monocytes recruitment occurs mainly in the context of liver injury and inflammation and can be recruited into the liver and achieve a KC-like phenotype. During the immune response of the liver, macrophages/KC cells release inflammatory cytokines and infiltrate into the liver, which are considered to be the common mechanism of various liver diseases in the early stage. Meanwhile, macrophages/KC cells form an interaction network with other liver cells, which can affect the occurrence and progression of liver diseases. From the perspective of liver disease treatment, knowing the full spectrum of macrophage activation, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and their implication in either promoting liver disease progression or repairing injured liver tissue is highly relevant from a therapeutic point of view. Kv1.3 is a subtype of the voltage-dependent potassium channel, whose function is closely related to the regulation of immune cell function. At present, there are few studies on the relationship between Kv1.3 and liver diseases, and the application of its blockers as a potential treatment for liver diseases has not been reported. This manuscript reviewed the physiological characteristics of Kv1.3, the relationship between Kv1.3 and cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the role of Kv1.3 in a variety of liver diseases, so as to provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. In short, by understanding the role of Kv1.3 in regulating the functions of immune cells such as macrophages, selective blockers of Kv1.3 or compounds with similar functions can be applied to alleviate the progression of liver diseases and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junda Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Baoming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
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Li M, Yu H. Identification of WP1066, an inhibitor of JAK2 and STAT3, as a K V 1.3 potassium channel blocker. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2617-2631. [PMID: 33689167 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE KV 1.3 potassium channels play a predominant role in regulating calcium signalling that is essential for the activation and proliferation of effector memory T (TEM ) cells. This ion channel has been recognized as a promising therapeutic target against various autoimmune diseases. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In a high-throughput screening programme, WP1066 was identified as a KV 1.3 channel inhibitor. Using molecular biology and electrophysiological methods, the mechanism(s) underlying WP1066 blockade of Kv1.3 channels was investigated. Using TEM cell proliferation assay and mouse delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) model, the effects of WP1066 were examined. KEY RESULTS WP1066 blocked KV 1.3 channels in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 3.2 μM and induced a hyperpolarizing shift of the steady-state inactivation curve. This blockade was use-dependent, as WP1066 interacted preferentially with channels in their open state, rather than the closed state or inactivated state. When the residues located in the S6 domain scaffolding the inner vestibule, were sequentially mutated, the potency of WP1066 was significantly impaired, especially by mutations A413C and I420C, indicating a higher affinity of interacting sites for WP1066. Moreover, WP1066 effectively suppressed mouse TEM cell proliferation in vitro and mouse DTH reaction in vivo. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results presented here have identified WP1066 as a KV 1.3 channel blocker with an open-state-dependent property, providing fundamental evidence for the application of WP1066 in further immunomodulatory studies targeting KV 1.3 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Zheng Q, Na R, Yang L, Yu H, Zhao X, Huang X. The binding process of BmKTX and BmKTX-D33H toward to Kv1.3 channel: a molecular dynamics simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:2788-2797. [PMID: 32329410 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1760135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The potassium channel Kv1.3 is an important pharmacological target and the Kaliotoxin-type toxins (α-KTX-3 family) are its specific blockers. Here, we study the binding process of two kinds of Kaliotoxin-type toxins:BmKTX and its mutant (BmKTX-D33H) toward to Kv1.3 channel using MD simulation and umbrella sampling simulation, respectively. The calculated binding free energies are -27 kcal/mol and -34 kcal/mol for BmKTX and BmKTX-D33H, respectively, which are consistent with experimental results. The further analysis indicate that the characteristic of electrostatic potential of the α-KTX-3 have important effect on their binding modes with Kv1.3 channel; the residue 33 in BmKTX or BmKTX-D33H plays a key role in determine their binding orientations toward to Kv1.3 channel; when residue 33 (or 34) has negative electrostatic potential, the anti-parallel β-sheet domain of α-KTX-3 toxin peptide will keep away from the filter region of Kv1.3 channel, as BmKTX; when residue 33(or 34) has positive electrostatic potential, the anti-parallel β-sheet domain of α-KTX-3 toxin peptide will interact with the filter region of Kv1.3 channel, as BmKTX-D33H. Above all, electrostatic potential differences on toxin surfaces and correlations motions within the toxins will determine the toxin-potassium channel interaction model. In addition, the hydrogen bond interaction is the pivotal factor for the Kv1.3-Kaliotoxin association. Understanding the binding mechanism of toxin-potassium channel will facilitate the rational development of new toxin analogue.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiancheng Zheng
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Risong Na
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P.R China
| | - Lianjuan Yang
- Department of Mycology, Shanghai Dermatology Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Yu
- College of Science, Beihua Univesrity, Jilin, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuri Huang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Wang X, Li G, Guo J, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Zhu Y, Cheng J, Yu L, Ji Y, Tao J. Kv1.3 Channel as a Key Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammatory Diseases: State of the Art and Beyond. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1393. [PMID: 31992966 PMCID: PMC6971160 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains a challenge for the effective treatment of neuroinflammatory disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The voltage-gated potassium Kv1.3 channel is of interest, which is considered as a novel therapeutic target for treating neuroinflammatory disorders due to its crucial role in subsets of T lymphocytes as well as microglial cells. Toxic animals, such as sea anemones, scorpions, spiders, snakes, and cone snails, can produce a variety of toxins that act on the Kv1.3 channel. The Stichodactyla helianthus K+ channel blocking toxin (ShK) from the sea anemone S. helianthus is proved as a classical blocker of Kv1.3. One of the synthetic analogs ShK-186, being developed as a therapeutic for autoimmune diseases, has successfully completed first-in-man Phase 1 trials. In addition to addressing the recent progress on the studies underlying the pharmacological characterizations of ShK on MS, the review will also explore the possibility for clinical treatment of ShK-like Kv1.3 blocking polypeptides on other neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyi Li
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingkang Guo
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhang Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudan Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghua Ji
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China,Xinhua Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Shao PP, Liu CJ, Xu Q, Zhang B, Li SH, Wu Y, Sun Z, Cheng LF. Eplerenone Reverses Cardiac Fibrosis via the Suppression of Tregs by Inhibition of Kv1.3 Channel. Front Physiol 2018; 9:899. [PMID: 30057554 PMCID: PMC6053534 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fibroblast proliferation is a critical feature during heart failure development. Previous studies reported regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs)’ protective role against myocardial fibrosis. However, notably, Tregs also secrete fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β when activated. This study aimed to clarify the intriguing link between Tregs and fibrosis, the role of Tregs Kv1.3 potassium channel (regulating T-lymphocytes activation) in the fibrosis process, and how selective aldosterone receptor antagonist Eplerenone affects Tregs and fibrosis through its action on Kv1.3 channel. Methods and Results: After co-incubation with Tregs, cardiac fibroblast proliferation (CCK-8 assay) and levels of collagen I, III, and Matrix metalloproteinase2 (ELISA) significantly elevated. Cell viability assays, Kv1.3 channel mRNA (RT-qPCR), and protein expression (In-Cell Western Blotting) revealed Tregs were activated/proliferated when co-cultured with fibroblasts. Treg intracellular TGF-β level increased by 5.8-fold, far more than that of intracellular IL-10, extracellular TGF-β and IL-10 (ELISA). And 30 μM eplerenone suppressed Tregs proliferation by 82.77% and furthermore, suppressed intracellular TGF-β level to a significantly greater extent than that of intracellular IL-10, extracellular TGF-β and IL-10. Moreover, the Kv1.3 current (whole-cell patch clamp) of Tregs in congestive heart failure patients and rats (induced by coronary artery ligation and exhaustive exercise) elevated by >4-fold than that of healthy volunteers and control rats, whereas 30 μM eplerenone suppressed the current by >60% in control Tregs. In addition, docking calculations (AutoDock software 4.0 suite) showed eplerenone has higher H-bond energy with Kv1.3 channel than other selective blockers. Conclusion: Immuno-regulation in the late stage of CHF activates Tregs proliferation via the upregulation of Kv1.3 channels, which promotes cardiac fibrosis by primarily secreting TGF-β. Taken together, eplerenone’s high affinity to Kv1.3 channel enables it to antagonize the Kv1.3 channels directly to suppress Tregs proliferation, which in turn may play an immuno-regulatory role during CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Pei Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Chang-Jiang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Pre-clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Shao-Hua Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Zhan Sun
- Center of Functional Experiment, School of Pre-clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Lu-Feng Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
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Abstract
The voltage gated Kv1.5 channels conduct the ultrarapid delayed rectifier current (IKur) and play critical role in repolarization of action potential duration. It is the most rapidly activated channel and has very little or no inactivated states. In human cardiac cells, these channels are expressed more extensively in atrial myocytes than ventricle. From the evidences of its localization and functions, Kv1.5 has been declared a selective drug target for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this present study, we have tried to identify the rapidly activating property of Kv1.5 and studied its mode of inhibition using molecular modeling, docking, and simulation techniques. Channel in open conformation is found to be stabilized quickly within the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine membrane, whereas most of the secondary structure elements were lost in closed state conformation. The obvious reason behind its ultra-rapid property is possibly due to the amino acid alteration in S4-S5 linker; the replacement of Lysine by Glutamine and vice versa. The popular published drugs as well as newly identified lead molecules were able to inhibit the Kv1.5 in a very similar pattern, mainly through the nonpolar interactions, and formed sable complexes. V512 is found as the main contributor for the interaction along with the other important residues such as V505, I508, A509, V512, P513, and V516. Furthermore, two screened novel compounds show surprisingly better inhibitory potency and can be considered for the future perspective of antiarrhythmic survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajabrata Bhuyan
- a BIF Centre, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics , University of Kalyani , Nadia, Kalyani 741235 , West Bengal , India
| | - Alpana Seal
- b Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics , University of Kalyani , Nadia, Kalyani 741235 , West Bengal , India
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