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Jin R, He S, Black KA, Clarke OB, Wu D, Bolla JR, Johnson P, Periasamy A, Wardak A, Czabotar P, Colman PM, Robinson CV, Laver D, Smith BJ, Gulbis JM. Ion currents through Kir potassium channels are gated by anionic lipids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:490. [PMID: 35079013 PMCID: PMC8789855 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28148-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractIon currents through potassium channels are gated. Constriction of the ion conduction pathway at the inner helix bundle, the textbook gate of Kir potassium channels, has been shown to be an ineffective permeation control, creating a rift in our understanding of how these channels are gated. Here we present evidence that anionic lipids act as interactive response elements sufficient to gate potassium conduction. We demonstrate the limiting barrier to K+ permeation lies within the ion conduction pathway and show that this gate is operated by the fatty acyl tails of lipids that infiltrate the conduction pathway via fenestrations in the walls of the pore. Acyl tails occupying a surface groove extending from the cytosolic interface to the conduction pathway provide a potential means of relaying cellular signals, mediated by anionic lipid head groups bound at the canonical lipid binding site, to the internal gate.
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Structural basis for the ethanol action on G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channel 1 revealed by NMR spectroscopy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:3858-3863. [PMID: 29581303 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1722257115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol consumption leads to a wide range of pharmacological effects by acting on the signaling proteins in the human nervous system, such as ion channels. Despite its familiarity and biological importance, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the ethanol action, due to extremely weak binding affinity and the dynamic nature of the ethanol interaction. In this research, we focused on the primary in vivo target of ethanol, G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK), which is responsible for the ethanol-induced analgesia. By utilizing solution NMR spectroscopy, we characterized the changes in the structure and dynamics of GIRK induced by ethanol binding. We demonstrated here that ethanol binds to GIRK with an apparent dissociation constant of 1.0 M and that the actual physiological binding site of ethanol is located on the cavity formed between the neighboring cytoplasmic regions of the GIRK tetramer. From the methyl-based NMR relaxation analyses, we revealed that ethanol activates GIRK by shifting the conformational equilibrium processes, which are responsible for the gating of GIRK, to stabilize an open conformation of the cytoplasmic ion gate. We suggest that the dynamic molecular mechanism of the ethanol-induced activation of GIRK represents a general model of the ethanol action on signaling proteins in the human nervous system.
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Takemoto Y, Slough DP, Meinke G, Katnik C, Graziano ZA, Chidipi B, Reiser M, Alhadidy MM, Ramirez R, Salvador-Montañés O, Ennis S, Guerrero-Serna G, Haburcak M, Diehl C, Cuevas J, Jalife J, Bohm A, Lin YS, Noujaim SF. Structural basis for the antiarrhythmic blockade of a potassium channel with a small molecule. FASEB J 2018; 32:1778-1793. [PMID: 29162702 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700349r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier potassium current ( IKACh) is constitutively active in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). We tested the hypothesis that the blocking of IKACh with the small molecule chloroquine terminates persistent AF. We used a sheep model of tachypacing-induced, persistent AF, molecular modeling, electrophysiology, and structural biology approaches. The 50% inhibition/inhibitory concentration of IKACh block with chloroquine, measured by patch clamp, was 1 μM. In optical mapping of sheep hearts with persistent AF, 1 μM chloroquine restored sinus rhythm. Molecular modeling suggested that chloroquine blocked the passage of a hydrated potassium ion through the intracellular domain of Kir3.1 (a molecular correlate of IKACh) by interacting with residues D260 and F255, in proximity to I228, Q227, and L299. 1H 15N heteronuclear single-quantum correlation of purified Kir3.1 intracellular domain confirmed the modeling results. F255, I228, Q227, and L299 underwent significant chemical-shift perturbations upon drug binding. We then crystallized and solved a 2.5 Å X-ray structure of Kir3.1 with F255A mutation. Modeling of chloroquine binding to the mutant channel suggested that the drug's binding to the pore becomes off centered, reducing its ability to block a hydrated potassium ion. Patch clamp validated the structural and modeling data, where the F255A and D260A mutations significantly reduced IKACh block by chloroquine. With the use of numerical and structural biology approaches, we elucidated the details of how a small molecule could block an ion channel and exert antiarrhythmic effects. Chloroquine binds the IKACh channel at a site formed by specific amino acids in the ion-permeation pathway, leading to decreased IKACh and the subsequent termination of AF.-Takemoto, Y., Slough, D. P., Meinke, G., Katnik, C., Graziano, Z. A., Chidipi, B., Reiser, M., Alhadidy, M. M., Ramirez, R., Salvador-Montañés, O., Ennis, S., Guerrero-Serna, G., Haburcak, M., Diehl, C., Cuevas, J., Jalife, J., Bohm, A., Lin,Y.-S., Noujaim, S. F. Structural basis for the antiarrhythmic blockade of a potassium channel with a small molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Takemoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Diana P Slough
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gretchen Meinke
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Katnik
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Bojjibabu Chidipi
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Michelle Reiser
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Mohammed M Alhadidy
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Rafael Ramirez
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Steven Ennis
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Marian Haburcak
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carl Diehl
- Saromics Biostructures, Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| | - Javier Cuevas
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jose Jalife
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Centro de Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares , Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Bohm
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yu-Shan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sami F Noujaim
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Identification and Localization of Gold Nanoparticles in Potassium Ion Pores: Implications for Kir Blockade. Cardiol Ther 2016; 5:101-8. [PMID: 27125647 PMCID: PMC4906087 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-016-0060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In our previous study, we found that negatively charged gold nanoparticles with spermidine have the potential of blocking inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir), both at the cellular and the tissue level. METHODS For the purpose of the present study, we purified the cytoplasmic domain of the Kir 3.1 receptor from Escherichia coli. Using single particles with surface coating by transmission electron microscopy, we identified the gold nanoparticles at the cytoplasmic side of the human Kir channel. RESULTS Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed the presence of the gold deposits in the cytoplasmic domain of the Kir receptor. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we could identify undecagold in the ion pore of the Kir3.1 channel in order to clarify its direct blocking effect in the Kir ion pore by undecagold.
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Uncovering protein polyamination by the spermine-specific antiserum and mass spectrometric analysis. Amino Acids 2014; 47:469-81. [PMID: 25471600 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1879-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The polyamines spermidine and spermine, and their precursor putrescine, have been shown to play an important role in cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Because of their polycationic property, polyamines are traditionally thought to be involved in DNA replication, gene expression, and protein translation. However, polyamines can also be covalently conjugated to proteins by transglutaminase 2 (TG2). This modification leads to an increase in positive charge in the polyamine-incorporated region which significantly alters the structure of proteins. It is anticipated that protein polyamine conjugation may affect the protein-protein interaction, protein localization, and protein function of the TG2 substrates. In order to investigate the roles of polyamine modification, we synthesized a spermine-conjugated antigen and generated an antiserum against spermine. In vitro TG2-catalyzed spermine incorporation assays were carried out to show that actin, tubulins, heat shock protein 70 and five types of histone proteins were modified with spermine, and modification sites were also identified by liquid chromatography and linear ion trap-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometry. Subsequent mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomic analysis also identified 254 polyaminated sites in 233 proteins from the HeLa cell lysate catalyzed by human TG2 with spermine, thus allowing, for the first time, a global appraisal of site-specific protein polyamination. Global analysis of mouse tissues showed that this modification really exists in vivo. Importantly, we have demonstrated that there is a new histone modification, polyamination, in cells. However, the functional significance of histone polyamination demands further investigations.
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Baronas VA, Kurata HT. Inward rectifiers and their regulation by endogenous polyamines. Front Physiol 2014; 5:325. [PMID: 25221519 PMCID: PMC4145359 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels contribute to maintenance of the resting membrane potential and regulation of electrical excitation in many cell types. Strongly rectifying Kir channels exhibit a very steep voltage dependence resulting in silencing of their activity at depolarized membrane voltages. The mechanism underlying this steep voltage dependence is blockade by endogenous polyamines. These small multifunctional, polyvalent metabolites enter the long Kir channel pore from the intracellular side, displacing multiple occupant ions as they migrate to a stable binding site in the transmembrane region of the channel. Numerous structure-function studies have revealed structural elements of Kir channels that determine their susceptibility to polyamine block, and enable the steep voltage dependence of this process. In addition, various channelopathies have been described that result from alteration of the polyamine sensitivity or activity of strongly rectifying channels. The primary focus of this article is to summarize current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of polyamine block, and provide some perspective on lingering uncertainties related to this physiologically important mechanism of ion channel blockade. We also briefly review some of the important and well understood physiological roles of polyamine sensitive, strongly rectifying Kir channels, primarily of the Kir2 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Baronas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Harley T Kurata
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Abstract
Structural analyses of protein-protein interactions are required to reveal their functional mechanisms, and accurate protein-protein complex models, based on experimental results, are the starting points for drug development. In addition, structural information about proteins under physiologically relevant conditions is crucially important for understanding biological events. However, for proteins such as those embedded in lipid bilayers and transiently complexed with their effectors under physiological conditions, structural analyses by conventional methods are generally difficult, due to their large molecular weights and inhomogeneity. We have developed the cross-saturation (CS) method, which is an nuclear magnetic resonance measurement technique for the precise identification of the interfaces of protein-protein complexes. In addition, we have developed an extended version of the CS method, termed transferred cross-saturation (TCS), which enables the identification of the residues of protein ligands in close proximity to huge (>150 kDa) and heterogeneous complexes under fast exchange conditions (>0.1 s(-1)). Here, we discuss the outline, basic theory, and practical considerations of the CS and TCS methods. In addition, we will review the recent progress in the construction of models of protein-protein complexes, based on CS and TCS experiments, and applications of TCS to in situ analyses of biologically and medically important proteins in physiologically relevant states.
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Li M, Sun Y, Tomiya N, Hsu Y, Chai TC. Elevated polyamines in urothelial cells from OAB subjects mediate oxotremorine-evoked rapid intracellular calcium rise and delayed acetylcholine release. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 305:F445-50. [PMID: 23698115 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00345.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased polyamine signaling in bladder urothelial cells (BUC) may play a role in the pathophysiology of overactive bladder (OAB). We quantitated intracellular polyamine levels in cultured BUC from OAB and asymptomatic (NB) subjects. We assessed whether polyamines modulated rapid intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) changes and delayed acetylcholine (ACh) release evoked by oxotremorine (OXO, a muscarinic agonist). BUC were cultured from cystoscopic biopsies. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantitated intracellular putrescine, spermidine, and spermine levels. Five-millimeter difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and one-millimeter methylglyoxalbisguanylhydrazone (MGBG) treatments were used to deplete intracellular polyamines. Ten micrometers of OXO were used to increase [Ca(2+)]i levels (measured by fura 2 microfluorimetry) and trigger extracellular ACh release (measured by ELISA). Polyamine levels were elevated in OAB compared with NB BUC (0.5 ± 0.15 vs. 0.16 ± 0.03 nmol/mg for putrescine, 2.4 ± 0.21 vs. 1.01 ± 0.13 nmol/mg for spermidine, and 1.90 ± 0.27 vs. 0.86 ± 0.26 nmol/mg for spermine; P < 0.05 for all comparisons). OXO evoked greater [Ca(2+)]i rise in OAB (205.10 ± 18.82% increase over baseline) compared with in NB BUC (119.54 ± 13.01%; P < 0.05). After polyamine depletion, OXO evoked [Ca(2+)]i rise decreased in OAB and NB BUC to 43.40 ± 6.45 and 38.82 ± 3.5%, respectively. OXO tended to increase ACh release by OAB vs. NB BUC (9.02 ± 0.1 vs. 7.04 ± 0.09 μM, respectively; P < 0.05). Polyamine depletion reduced ACh release by both OAB and NB BUC. In conclusion, polyamine levels were elevated twofold in OAB BUC. OXO evoked greater increase in [Ca(2+)]i and ACh release in OAB BUC, although these two events may be unrelated. Depletion of polyamines caused OAB BUC to behave similarly to NB BUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkai Li
- Dept. of Urology, Yale School of Medicine, 789 Howard Ave., FMP 300, P.O. Box 208058, New Haven, CT 06520-8058.
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KCNJ2 mutation in short QT syndrome 3 results in atrial fibrillation and ventricular proarrhythmia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:4291-6. [PMID: 23440193 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1218154110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a mutation (E299V) in KCNJ2, the gene that encodes the strong inward rectifier K(+) channel protein (Kir2.1), in an 11-y-old boy. The unique short QT syndrome type-3 phenotype is associated with an extremely abbreviated QT interval (200 ms) on ECG and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Genetic screening identified an A896T substitution in a highly conserved region of KCNJ2 that resulted in a de novo mutation E299V. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments showed that E299V presents an abnormally large outward IK1 at potentials above -55 mV (P < 0.001 versus wild type) due to a lack of inward rectification. Coexpression of wild-type and mutant channels to mimic the heterozygous condition still resulted in a large outward current. Coimmunoprecipitation and kinetic analysis showed that E299V and wild-type isoforms may heteromerize and that their interaction impairs function. The homomeric assembly of E299V mutant proteins actually results in gain of function. Computer simulations of ventricular excitation and propagation using both the homozygous and heterozygous conditions at three different levels of integration (single cell, 2D, and 3D) accurately reproduced the electrocardiographic phenotype of the proband, including an exceedingly short QT interval with merging of the QRS and the T wave, absence of ST segment, and peaked T waves. Numerical experiments predict that, in addition to the short QT interval, absence of inward rectification in the E299V mutation should result in atrial fibrillation. In addition, as predicted by simulations using a geometrically accurate three-dimensional ventricular model that included the His-Purkinje network, a slight reduction in ventricular excitability via 20% reduction of the sodium current should increase vulnerability to life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
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Self-directed assembly and clustering of the cytoplasmic domains of inwardly rectifying Kir2.1 potassium channels on association with PSD-95. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1808:2374-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Bell MR, Belarde JA, Johnson HF, Aizenman CD. A neuroprotective role for polyamines in a Xenopus tadpole model of epilepsy. Nat Neurosci 2011; 14:505-12. [PMID: 21378970 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are endogenous molecules involved in cell damage following neurological insults, although it is unclear whether polyamines reduce or exacerbate this damage. We used a developmental seizure model in which we exposed Xenopus laevis tadpoles to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), a known convulsant. We found that, after an initial PTZ exposure, seizure onset times were delayed in response to a second PTZ exposure 4 h later. This protective effect was a result of activity-dependent increases in synthesis of putrescine, the simplest polyamine. Unlike more complex polyamines that directly modulate ion channels, putrescine exerted its effect by altering the balance of excitation to inhibition. Tectal neuron recordings, 4 h after the initial seizure, revealed an elevated frequency of GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Our data suggest that this effect is mediated by an atypical pathway that converts putrescine into GABA, which then activates presynaptic GABA(B) receptors. Our data suggest that polyamines have a previously unknown neuroprotective role in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Bell
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Falconer RJ, Collins BM. Survey of the year 2009: applications of isothermal titration calorimetry. J Mol Recognit 2010; 24:1-16. [DOI: 10.1002/jmr.1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Yokogawa M, Osawa M, Takeuchi K, Mase Y, Shimada I. NMR analyses of the Gbetagamma binding and conformational rearrangements of the cytoplasmic pore of G protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channel 1 (GIRK1). J Biol Chem 2010; 286:2215-23. [PMID: 21075842 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.160754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK) plays crucial roles in regulating heart rate and neuronal excitability in eukaryotic cells. GIRK is activated by the direct binding of heterotrimeric G protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) upon stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors, such as M2 acetylcholine receptor. The binding of Gβγ to the cytoplasmic pore (CP) region of GIRK causes structural rearrangements, which are assumed to open the transmembrane ion gate. However, the crucial residues involved in the Gβγ binding and the structural mechanism of GIRK gating have not been fully elucidated. Here, we have characterized the interaction between the CP region of GIRK and Gβγ, by ITC and NMR. The ITC analyses indicated that four Gβγ molecules bind to a tetramer of the CP region of GIRK with a dissociation constant of 250 μM. The NMR analyses revealed that the Gβγ binding site spans two neighboring subunits of the GIRK tetramer, which causes conformational rearrangements between subunits. A possible binding mode and mechanism of GIRK gating are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Yokogawa
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Lefèvre J, Chernov KG, Joshi V, Delga S, Toma F, Pastré D, Curmi PA, Savarin P. The C terminus of tubulin, a versatile partner for cationic molecules: binding of Tau, polyamines, and calcium. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:3065-78. [PMID: 21062741 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.144089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The C-terminal region of tubulin is involved in multiple aspects of the regulation of microtubule assembly. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this regulation, we study here, using different approaches, the interaction of Tau, spermine, and calcium, three representative partners of the tubulin C-terminal region, with a peptide composed of the last 42 residues of α1a-tubulin. The results show that their binding involves overlapping amino acid stretches in the C-terminal tubulin region: amino acid residues 421-441 for Tau, 430-432 and 444-451 for spermine, and 421-443 for calcium. Isothermal titration calorimetry, NMR, and cosedimentation experiments show that Tau and spermine have similar micromolar binding affinities, whereas their binding stoichiometry differs (C-terminal tubulin peptide/spermine stoichiometry 1:2, and C-terminal tubulin peptide/Tau stoichiometry 8:1). Interestingly, calcium, known as a negative regulator of microtubule assembly, can compete with the binding of Tau and spermine with the C-terminal domain of tubulin and with the positive effect of these two partners on microtubule assembly in vitro. This observation opens up the possibility that calcium may participate in the regulation of microtubule assembly in vivo through direct (still unknown) or indirect mechanism (displacement of microtubule partners). The functional importance of this part of tubulin was also underlined by the observation that an α-tubulin mutant deleted from the last 23 amino acid residues does not incorporate properly into the microtubule network of HeLa cells. Together, these results provide a structural basis for a better understanding of the complex interactions and putative competition of tubulin cationic partners with the C-terminal region of tubulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Lefèvre
- Laboratoire Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques, INSERM-Université d'Evry-Val d'Essonne U829, Université Evry-Val d'Essonne, 91025 Evry, France
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Clarke OB, Caputo AT, Hill AP, Vandenberg JI, Smith BJ, Gulbis JM. Domain Reorientation and Rotation of an Intracellular Assembly Regulate Conduction in Kir Potassium Channels. Cell 2010; 141:1018-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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16
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Emerging roles for G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels in health and disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2010; 11:301-15. [PMID: 20389305 DOI: 10.1038/nrn2834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 456] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels hyperpolarize neurons in response to activation of many different G protein-coupled receptors and thus control the excitability of neurons through GIRK-mediated self-inhibition, slow synaptic potentials and volume transmission. GIRK channel function and trafficking are highly dependent on the channel subunit composition. Pharmacological investigations of GIRK channels and studies in animal models suggest that GIRK activity has an important role in physiological responses, including pain perception and memory modulation. Moreover, abnormal GIRK function has been implicated in altering neuronal excitability and cell death, which may be important in the pathophysiology of diseases such as epilepsy, Down's syndrome, Parkinson's disease and drug addiction. GIRK channels may therefore prove to be a valuable new therapeutic target.
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