Regional specificity of human ether-a'-go-go-related gene channel activation and inactivation gating

Characterization of two pathological gating-charge substitutions in Cav1.4 L-type calcium channels

Cav1.4 L-type calcium channels are predominantly expressed at the photoreceptor terminals and in bipolar cells, mediating neurotransmitter release. Mutations in its gene, CACNA1F, can cause congenital stationary night-blindness type 2 (CSNB2). Due to phenotypic variability in CSNB2, characterization of pathological variants is necessary to better determine pathological mechanism at the site of action. A set of known mutations affects conserved gating charges in the S4 voltage sensor, two of which have been found in male CSNB2 patients. Here, we describe two disease-causing Cav1.4 mutations with gating charge neutralization, exchanging an arginine 964 with glycine (RG) or arginine 1288 with leucine (RL). In both, charge neutralization was associated with a reduction channel expression also reflected in smaller ON gating currents. In RL channels, the strong decrease in whole-cell current densities might additionally be explained by a reduction of single-channel currents. We further identified alterations in their biophysical properties, such as a hyperpolarizing shift of the activation threshold and an increase in slope factor of activation and inactivation. Molecular dynamic simulations in RL substituted channels indicated water wires in both, resting and active, channel states, suggesting the development of omega (ω)currents as a new pathological mechanism in CSNB2. This sum of the respective channel property alterations might add to the differential symptoms in patients beside other factors, such as genomic and environmental deviations.

Modeling long QT syndrome type 2 on-a-chip via in-depth assessment of isogenic gene-edited 3D cardiac tissues

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiovascular disease characterized by QT interval prolongation that can lead to sudden cardiac death. Many mutations with heterogeneous mechanisms have been identified in KCNH2, the gene that encodes for hERG (Kv11.1), which lead to onset of LQTS type 2 (LQTS2). In this work, we developed a LQTS2-diseased tissue-on-a-chip model, using 3D coculture of isogenic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) within an organotypic microfluidic chip technology. Primarily, we created a hiPSC line with R531W mutation in KCNH2 using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique and characterized the resultant differentiated CMs and CFs. A deficiency in hERG trafficking was identified in KCNH2-edited hiPSC-CMs, revealing a possible mechanism of R531W mutation in LQTS2 pathophysiology. Following creation of a 3D LQTS2 tissue-on-a-chip, the tissues were extensively characterized, through analysis of calcium handling and response to β-agonist. Furthermore, attempted phenotypic rescue via pharmacological intervention of LQTS2 on a chip was investigated.

Smilax china L. Polysaccharide Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Protects From Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Activating the Nrf2-ARE Pathway

The alleviation of oxidative stress is considered an effective treatment for acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (AILI). However, it remains unknow whether the potential antioxidant Smilax china L. polysaccharide (SCLP) protects against AILI. In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to verify the hepatoprotective effect of SCLP against AILI and explore the potential mechanism. We found that SCLP relieved liver histopathological changes; reversed the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS); reversed the change in liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity; and enhanced liver antioxidant (GSH, GSH-Px, and t-SOD) levels in APAP-treated mice, thereby significantly reducing APAP-induced liver toxicity. SCLP rescued the cell viability and alleviated oxidative stress in H2O2-treated mouse AML12 (Alpha mouse liver 12) hepatocytes. The results of the mechanistic studies showed that SCLP upregulated nuclear factor E2 related factor (Nrf2) expression, promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and enhanced the ability of Nrf2 to bind antioxidant response elements (AREs). Furthermore, SCLP activated Nrf2-ARE pathway, thus upregulating the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO-1) and glutamic acid cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). In conclusion, this study confirmed the close correlation between liver protection by SCLP upon exposure to APAP and activated of the Nrf2-ARE pathway. These findings suggest that SCLP is an attractive therapeutic candidate drug for the treatment of AILI.

Diabetes-induced changes in cardiac voltage-gated ion channels

Diabetes mellitus affects the heart through various mechanisms such as microvascular defects, metabolic abnormalities, autonomic dysfunction and incompatible immune response. Furthermore, it can also cause functional and structural changes in the myocardium by a disease known as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the absence of coronary artery disease. As DCM progresses it causes electrical remodeling of the heart, left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. Electrophysiological changes in the diabetic heart contribute significantly to the incidence of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in diabetes mellitus patients. In recent studies, significant changes in repolarizing K⁺ currents, Na⁺ currents and L-type Ca²⁺ currents along with impaired Ca²⁺ homeostasis and defective contractile function have been identified in the diabetic heart. In addition, insulin levels and other trophic factors change significantly to maintain the ionic channel expression in diabetic patients. There are many diagnostic tools and management options for DCM, but it is difficult to detect its development and to effectively prevent its progress. In this review, diabetes-associated alterations in voltage-sensitive cardiac ion channels are comprehensively assessed to understand their potential role in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of DCM.

Modulation of hERG K+ Channel Deactivation by Voltage Sensor Relaxation

The hERG (human-ether-à-go-go-related gene) channel underlies the rapid delayed rectifier current, I_kr, in the heart, which is essential for normal cardiac electrical activity and rhythm. Slow deactivation is one of the hallmark features of the unusual gating characteristics of hERG channels, and plays a crucial role in providing a robust current that aids repolarization of the cardiac action potential. As such, there is significant interest in elucidating the underlying mechanistic determinants of slow hERG channel deactivation. Recent work has shown that the hERG channel S4 voltage sensor is stabilized following activation in a process termed relaxation. Voltage sensor relaxation results in energetic separation of the activation and deactivation pathways, producing a hysteresis, which modulates the kinetics of deactivation gating. Despite widespread observation of relaxation behaviour in other voltage-gated K⁺ channels, such as Shaker, Kv1.2 and Kv3.1, as well as the voltage-sensing phosphatase Ci-VSP, the relationship between stabilization of the activated voltage sensor by the open pore and voltage sensor relaxation in the control of deactivation has only recently begun to be explored. In this review, we discuss present knowledge and questions raised related to the voltage sensor relaxation mechanism in hERG channels and compare structure-function aspects of relaxation with those observed in related ion channels. We focus discussion, in particular, on the mechanism of coupling between voltage sensor relaxation and deactivation gating to highlight the insight that these studies provide into the control of hERG channel deactivation gating during their physiological functioning.

Functional study of a KCNH2 mutant: Novel insights on the pathogenesis of the LQT2 syndrome

The K⁺ voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) transports the rapid component of the cardiac delayed rectifying K⁺ current. The aim of this study was to characterize the biophysical properties of a C-terminus-truncated KCNH2 channel, G1006fs/49 causing long QT syndrome type II in heterozygous members of an Italian family. Mutant carriers underwent clinical workup, including 12-lead electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography and 24-hour ECG recording. Electrophysiological experiments compared the biophysical properties of G1006fs/49 with those of KCNH2 both expressed either as homotetramers or as heterotetramers in HEK293 cells. Major findings of this work are as follows: (a) G1006fs/49 is functional at the plasma membrane even when co-expressed with KCNH2, (b) G1006fs/49 exerts a dominant-negative effect on KCNH2 conferring specific biophysical properties to the heterotetrameric channel such as a significant delay in the voltage-sensitive transition to the open state, faster kinetics of both inactivation and recovery from the inactivation and (c) the activation kinetics of the G1006fs/49 heterotetrameric channels is partially restored by a specific KCNH2 activator. The functional characterization of G1006fs/49 homo/heterotetramers provided crucial findings about the pathogenesis of LQTS type II in the mutant carriers, thus providing a new and potential pharmacological strategy.

Gating mechanism of Kv11.1 (hERG) K+ channels without covalent connection between voltage sensor and pore domains

Kv11.1 (hERG, KCNH2) is a voltage-gated potassium channel crucial in setting the cardiac rhythm and the electrical behaviour of several non-cardiac cell types. Voltage-dependent gating of Kv11.1 can be reconstructed from non-covalently linked voltage sensing and pore modules (split channels), challenging classical views of voltage-dependent channel activation based on a S4–S5 linker acting as a rigid mechanical lever to open the gate. Progressive displacement of the split position from the end to the beginning of the S4–S5 linker induces an increasing negative shift in activation voltage dependence, a reduced z_g value and a more negative ΔG₀ for current activation, an almost complete abolition of the activation time course sigmoid shape and a slowing of the voltage-dependent deactivation. Channels disconnected at the S4–S5 linker near the S4 helix show a destabilization of the closed state(s). Furthermore, the isochronal ion current mode shift magnitude is clearly reduced in the different splits. Interestingly, the progressive modifications of voltage dependence activation gating by changing the split position are accompanied by a shift in the voltage-dependent availability to a methanethiosulfonate reagent of a Cys introduced at the upper S4 helix. Our data demonstrate for the first time that alterations in the covalent connection between the voltage sensor and the pore domains impact on the structural reorganizations of the voltage sensor domain. Also, they support the hypothesis that the S4–S5 linker integrates signals coming from other cytoplasmic domains that constitute either an important component or a crucial regulator of the gating machinery in Kv11.1 and other KCNH channels.

The Fast Component of hERG Gating Charge: An Interaction between D411 in the S1 and S4 Residues

Kv11.1 (hERG) is a voltage-gated potassium channel that shows very slow ionic current activation kinetics, and an unusual underlying biphasic gating charge movement with fast and slow components that differ greatly in time course. The structural basis and role of the fast component of gating charge (Q_fast) is unclear, and its relationship to the slow activation of hERG channels is not understood. In this study we have used the cut-open oocyte voltage-clamp technique to investigate the relationship of fast gating charge movement-to-residue interactions between D411 at the bottom of the S1, and lower S4 domain charged and uncharged residues. Neutralization of D411 or K538 and V535A prevented Q_fast and greatly accelerated overall charge movement. Voltage-clamp fluorometry showed a loss of a fast component of S4 fluorescence in D411N, V535A, and K538Q upon depolarization, whereas [2-(trimethyl ammonium) ethyl] methanethiosulfonate chloride modification of I521C in the outer S4 was enhanced at more negative potentials and at earlier times in these same mutants. A functional interaction between these regions during activation was suggested by ΔΔG_o values >4.2 kJ/mol obtained from double mutant cycle analysis. The data indicate that interactions of S1 residue D411 with lower S4 residues stabilizes early closed states of the channel, and that disruption of these interactions results in both faster rates of activation gating and an elimination of the fast component of gating charge movement and of fluorescence. We propose that the Q_fast charge movement during activation accompanies transitions through early closed states of the hERG activation pathway, and that the weak voltage dependence of these transitions limits the overall activation rate of hERG channels. Disruption of the D411-S4 interactions destabilizes these early closed states, leaving hERG channels able to activate at a rate similar to conventional potassium channels.

Cardiac Potassium Channels: Physiological Insights for Targeted Therapy

The development of novel drugs specifically directed at the ion channels underlying particular features of cardiac action potential (AP) initiation, recovery, and refractoriness would contribute to an optimized approach to antiarrhythmic therapy that minimizes potential cardiac and extracardiac toxicity. Of these, K⁺ channels contribute numerous and diverse currents with specific actions on different phases in the time course of AP repolarization. These features and their site-specific distribution make particular K⁺ channel types attractive therapeutic targets for the development of pharmacological agents attempting antiarrhythmic therapy in conditions such as atrial fibrillation. However, progress in the development of such temporally and spatially selective antiarrhythmic drugs against particular ion channels has been relatively limited, particularly in view of our incomplete understanding of the complex physiological roles and interactions of the various ionic currents. This review summarizes the physiological properties of the main cardiac potassium channels and the way in which they modulate cardiac electrical activity and then critiques a number of available potential antiarrhythmic drugs directed at them.

Stabilization of the Activated hERG Channel Voltage Sensor by Depolarization Involves the S4-S5 Linker

Slow deactivation of hERG channels is critical for preventing cardiac arrhythmia yet the mechanistic basis for the slow gating transition is unclear. Here, we characterized the temporal sequence of events leading to voltage sensor stabilization upon membrane depolarization. Progressive increase in step depolarization duration slowed voltage-sensor return in a biphasic manner (τ_fast = 34 ms, τ_slow = 2.5 s). The faster phase of voltage-sensor return slowing correlated with the kinetics of pore opening. The slower component occurred over durations that exceeded channel activation and was consistent with voltage sensor relaxation. The S4-S5 linker mutation, G546L, impeded the faster phase of voltage sensor stabilization without attenuating the slower phase, suggesting that the S4-S5 linker is important for communications between the pore gate and the voltage sensor during deactivation. These data also demonstrate that the mechanisms of pore gate-opening-induced and relaxation-induced voltage-sensor stabilization are separable. Deletion of the distal N-terminus (Δ2-135) accelerated off-gating current, but did not influence the relative contribution of either mechanism of stabilization of the voltage sensor. Lastly, we characterized mode-shift behavior in hERG channels, which results from stabilization of activated channel states. The apparent mode-shift depended greatly on recording conditions. By measuring slow activation and deactivation at steady state we found the "true" mode-shift to be ∼15 mV. Interestingly, the "true" mode-shift of gating currents was ∼40 mV, much greater than that of the pore gate. This demonstrates that voltage sensor return is less energetically favorable upon repolarization than pore gate closure. We interpret this to indicate that stabilization of the activated voltage sensor limits the return of hERG channels to rest. The data suggest that this stabilization occurs as a result of reconfiguration of the pore gate upon opening by a mechanism that is influenced by the S4-S5 linker, and by a separable voltage-sensor intrinsic relaxation mechanism.

Mechanism of Proarrhythmic Effects of Potassium Channel Blockers

Any disturbance of electrical impulse formation in the heart and of impulse conduction or action potential (AP) repolarization can lead to rhythm disorders. Potassium (K(+)) channels play a prominent role in the AP repolarization process. In this review we describe the causes and mechanisms of proarrhythmic effects that arise as a response to blockers of cardiac K(+) channels. The largest and chemically most diverse groups of compound targets are Kv11.1 (hERG) and Kv7.1 (KvLQT1) channels. Finally, the proarrhythmic propensity of atrial-selective K(+) blockers inhibiting Kv1.5, Kir3.1/3.4, SK, and K2P channels is discussed.

MCP-1-induced ERK/GSK-3β/Snail signaling facilitates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes the migration of MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemotactic cytokine that can bind to its receptor cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and plays an important role in breast cancer cell metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MCP-1-induced alterations in cellular functions during tumor progression are poorly understood. Here, we showed that MCP-1 stimulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induced the tumorigenesis of breast cancer cells by downregulating E-cadherin, upregulating vimentin and fibronectin, activating matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2), and promoting migration and invasion. Moreover, MCP-1 treatment reduced glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity via the MEK/ERK-mediated phosphorylation of serine-9 in MCF-7 cells. The inhibition of MEK/ERK by U0126 attenuated the MCP-1-induced phosphorylation of GSK-3β and decreased the expression of Snail, an EMT-related transcription factor, leading to the inhibition of MCF-7 cell migration and invasion. Inactivation of GSK-3β by LiCl (lithium chloride) treatment notably increased MMP-2 activity, vascular endothelial growth factor expression and EMT of MCF-7 cells. These findings revealed that MCP-1-induced EMT and migration are mediated by the ERK/GSK-3β/Snail pathway, and identified a potential novel target for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer.

Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies on the structure-activity relationship of fluoroquinolone for the HERG channel

Fluoroquinolones play an important role in the treatment of serious bacterial infections, but at the same time they could lead to cardiac toxicity due to the blockage of the HERG potassium channel, which even leads to the withdrawal of some fluoroquinolones. Blockage of the HERG potassium channel by drugs or drug-like compounds has become a critical problem in drug discovery. Though there were large amounts of bioactivity data of fluoroquinolones on the blockage of HERG, little structural basis of binding of blockers to the HERG channel was known. Here, we combined molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations and binding energy decomposition analysis to explore the binding modes of fluoroquinolones in the HERG potassium channel. The calculated binding free energies were consistent with the experimental binding affinities. Our results showed that the CH3 group in MX was favorable for the binding to the HERG channel, while Tyr652 and Phe656 were critical for the hydrophobic interaction between fluoroquinolones and the HERG channel. We expected that our results of calculation could provide important insights for the rational design and discovery of drugs.

Mouse ERG K(+) channel clones reveal differences in protein trafficking and function

Background

The mouse ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene 1a (mERG1a, mKCNH2) encodes mERG K⁺ channels in mouse cardiomyocytes. The mERG channels and their human analogue, hERG channels, conduct I_Kr. Mutations in hERG channels reduce I_Kr to cause congenital long‐QT syndrome type 2, mostly by decreasing surface membrane expression of trafficking‐deficient channels. Three cDNA sequences were originally reported for mERG channels that differ by 1 to 4 amino acid residues (mERG‐London, mERG‐Waterston, and mERG‐Nie). We characterized these mERG channels to test the postulation that they would differ in their protein trafficking and biophysical function, based on previous findings in long‐QT syndrome type 2.

Methods and Results

The 3 mERG and hERG channels were expressed in HEK293 cells and neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and were studied using Western blot and whole‐cell patch clamp. We then compared our findings with the recent sequencing results in the Welcome Trust Sanger Institute Mouse Genomes Project (WTSIMGP).

Conclusions

First, the mERG‐London channel with amino acid substitutions in regions of highly ordered structure is trafficking deficient and undergoes temperature‐dependent and pharmacological correction of its trafficking deficiency. Second, the voltage dependence of channel gating would be different for the 3 mERG channels. Third, compared with the WTSIMGP data set, the mERG‐Nie clone is likely to represent the wild‐type mouse sequence and physiology. Fourth, the WTSIMGP analysis suggests that substrain‐specific sequence differences in mERG are a common finding in mice. These findings with mERG channels support previous findings with hERG channel structure–function analyses in long‐QT syndrome type 2, in which sequence changes in regions of highly ordered structure are likely to result in abnormal protein trafficking.

Proline scan of the HERG channel S6 helix reveals the location of the intracellular pore gate

In Shaker-like channels, the activation gate is formed at the bundle crossing by the convergence of the inner S6 helices near a conserved proline-valine-proline motif, which introduces a kink that allows for electromechanical coupling with voltage sensor motions via the S4-S5 linker. Human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channels lack the proline-valine-proline motif and the location of the intracellular pore gate and how it is coupled to S4 movement is less clear. Here, we show that proline substitutions within the S6 of hERG perturbed pore gate closure, trapping channels in the open state. Performing a proline scan of the inner S6 helix, from Ile(655) to Tyr(667) revealed that gate perturbation occurred with proximal (I655P-Q664P), but not distal (R665P-Y667P) substitutions, suggesting that Gln(664) marks the position of the intracellular gate in hERG channels. Using voltage-clamp fluorimetry and gating current analysis, we demonstrate that proline substitutions trap the activation gate open by disrupting the coupling between the voltage-sensing unit and the pore of the channel. We characterize voltage sensor movement in one such trapped-open mutant channel and demonstrate the kinetics of what we interpret to be intrinsic hERG voltage sensor movement.

The Therapeutic Potential of hERG1 K+ Channels for Treating Cancer and Cardiac Arrhythmias

hERG potassium channels present pharmacologists and medicinal chemists with a dilemma. On the one hand hERG is a major reason for drugs being withdrawn from the market because of drug induced long QT syndrome and the associated risk of inducing sudden cardiac death, and yet hERG blockers are still widely used in the clinic to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, in the last decade overwhelming evidence has been provided that hERG channels are aberrantly expressed in cancer cells and that they contribute to tumour cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and neoangiogenesis. Here we provide an overview of the properties of hERG channels and their role in excitable cells of the heart and nervous system as well as in cancer. We consider the therapeutic potential of hERG, not only with regard to the negative impact due to drug induced long QT syndrome, but also its future potential as a treatment in the fight against cancer.

Cardiac potassium channel subtypes: new roles in repolarization and arrhythmia

About 10 distinct potassium channels in the heart are involved in shaping the action potential. Some of the K+ channels are primarily responsible for early repolarization, whereas others drive late repolarization and still others are open throughout the cardiac cycle. Three main K+ channels drive the late repolarization of the ventricle with some redundancy, and in atria this repolarization reserve is supplemented by the fairly atrial-specific KV1.5, Kir3, KCa, and K2P channels. The role of the latter two subtypes in atria is currently being clarified, and several findings indicate that they could constitute targets for new pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation. The interplay between the different K+ channel subtypes in both atria and ventricle is dynamic, and a significant up- and downregulation occurs in disease states such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. The underlying posttranscriptional and posttranslational remodeling of the individual K+ channels changes their activity and significance relative to each other, and they must be viewed together to understand their role in keeping a stable heart rhythm, also under menacing conditions like attacks of reentry arrhythmia.

Functional interactions of voltage sensor charges with an S2 hydrophobic plug in hERG channels

Human ether-à-go-go–related gene (hERG, Kv11.1) potassium channels have unusually slow activation and deactivation kinetics. It has been suggested that, in fast-activating Shaker channels, a highly conserved Phe residue (F290) in the S2 segment forms a putative gating charge transfer center that interacts with S4 gating charges, i.e., R362 (R1) and K374 (K5), and catalyzes their movement across the focused electric field. F290 is conserved in hERG (F463), but the relevant residues in the hERG S4 are reversed, i.e., K525 (K1) and R537 (R5), and there is an extra positive charge adjacent to R537 (i.e., K538). We have examined whether hERG channels possess a transfer center similar to that described in Shaker and if these S4 charge differences contribute to slow gating in hERG channels. Of five hERG F463 hydrophobic substitutions tested, F463W and F463Y shifted the conductance–voltage (G-V) relationship to more depolarized potentials and dramatically slowed channel activation. With the S4 residue reversals (i.e., K525, R537) taken into account, the closed state stabilization by F463W is consistent with a role for F463 that is similar to that described for F290 in Shaker. As predicted from results with Shaker, the hERG K525R mutation destabilized the closed state. However, hERG R537K did not stabilize the open state as predicted. Instead, we found the neighboring K538 residue to be critical for open state stabilization, as K538R dramatically slowed and right-shifted the voltage dependence of activation. Finally, double mutant cycle analysis on the G-V curves of F463W/K525R and F463W/K538R double mutations suggests that F463 forms functional interactions with K525 and K538 in the S4 segment. Collectively, these data suggest a role for F463 in mediating closed–open equilibria, similar to that proposed for F290 in Shaker channels.

Hydrophobic interactions between the voltage sensor and pore mediate inactivation in Kv11.1 channels

Kv11.1 channels are critical for the maintenance of a normal heart rhythm. The flow of potassium ions through these channels is controlled by two voltage-regulated gates, termed "activation" and "inactivation," located at opposite ends of the pore. Crucially in Kv11.1 channels, inactivation gating occurs much more rapidly, and over a distinct range of voltages, compared with activation gating. Although it is clear that the fourth transmembrane segments (S4), within each subunit of the tetrameric channel, are important for controlling the opening and closing of the activation gate, their role during inactivation gating is much less clear. Here, we use rate equilibrium free energy relationship (REFER) analysis to probe the contribution of the S4 "voltage-sensor" helix during inactivation of Kv11.1 channels. Contrary to the important role that charged residues play during activation gating, it is the hydrophobic residues (Leu529, Leu530, Leu532, and Val535) that are the key molecular determinants of inactivation gating. Within the context of an interconnected multi-domain model of Kv11.1 inactivation gating, our REFER analysis indicates that the S4 helix and the S4-S5 linker undergo a conformational rearrangement shortly after that of the S5 helix and S5P linker, but before the S6 helix. Combining REFER analysis with double mutant cycle analysis, we provide evidence for a hydrophobic interaction between residues on the S4 and S5 helices. Based on a Kv11.1 channel homology model, we propose that this hydrophobic interaction forms the basis of an intersubunit coupling between the voltage sensor and pore domain that is an important mediator of inactivation gating.

Gating charge movement precedes ionic current activation in hERG channels

We recently reported gating currents recorded from hERG channels expressed in mammalian TSA cells and assessed the kinetics at different voltages. We detected 2 distinct components of charge movement with the bulk of the charge being carried by a slower component. Here we compare our findings in TSA cells with recordings made from oocytes using the Cut Open Vaseline Gap clamp (COVG) and go on to directly compare activation of gating charge and ionic currents at 0 and +60 mV. The data show that gating charge saturates and moves more rapidly than ionic current activates suggesting a transition downstream from the movement of the bulk of gating charge is rate limiting for channel opening.

Bimodal voltage dependence of TRPA1: mutations of a key pore helix residue reveal strong intrinsic voltage-dependent inactivation

Transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) is implicated in somatosensory processing and pathological pain sensation. Although not strictly voltage-gated, ionic currents of TRPA1 typically rectify outwardly, indicating channel activation at depolarized membrane potentials. However, some reports also showed TRPA1 inactivation at high positive potentials, implicating voltage-dependent inactivation. Here we report a conserved leucine residue, L906, in the putative pore helix, which strongly impacts the voltage dependency of TRPA1. Mutation of the leucine to cysteine (L906C) converted the channel from outward to inward rectification independent of divalent cations and irrespective to stimulation by allyl isothiocyanate. The mutant, but not the wild-type channel, displayed exclusively voltage-dependent inactivation at positive potentials. The L906C mutation also exhibited reduced sensitivity to inhibition by TRPA1 blockers, HC030031 and ruthenium red. Further mutagenesis of the leucine to all natural amino acids individually revealed that most substitutions at L906 (15/19) resulted in inward rectification, with exceptions of three amino acids that dramatically reduced channel activity and one, methionine, which mimicked the wild-type channel. Our data are plausibly explained by a bimodal gating model involving both voltage-dependent activation and inactivation of TRPA1. We propose that the key pore helix residue, L906, plays an essential role in responding to the voltage-dependent gating.

The neutral, hydrophobic isoleucine at position I521 in the extracellular S4 domain of hERG contributes to channel gating equilibrium

The human ether-a-go-go related (hERG) potassium channel has unusual functional characteristics in that the rates of channel activation and deactivation are much slower than inactivation, which is attributed to specific structural elements within the NH2 terminus and the S1-S4 voltage-sensing domains (VSD). Although the charged residues in the VSD have been extensively modified and mutated as a result, the role and importance of specific hydrophobic residues in the S4 has been much less explored in studies of hERG gating. We found that charged, but not neutral or hydrophobic, amino acid substitution of isoleucine 521 at the outer end of the S4 transmembrane domain resulted in channels activating at much more negative voltages associated with a marked hyperpolarization of the conductance-voltage (G-V) relationship. The contributions of different physicochemical properties to this effect were probed by chemical modification of channels substituted with cysteine at position I521. When positively charged reagents including tetramethyl-rhodamine-5-maleimide (TMRM), 1-(2-maleimidylethyl)-4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)oxazol-2-yl] pyridinium methane-sulfonate (PyMPO), [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl] methanethiosulfonate chloride (MTSET), and 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate hydrobromide (MTSEA) were bound to the cysteine, I521C channels activated at more negative membrane potentials. To examine the contributions to hERG gating of other residues at the outer end of S4 (520-528), we performed a cysteine scan combined with MTSET modification. Only L520C, along with I521C, shows a substantial hyperpolarizing shift of the G-V relationship upon MTSET modification. The data indicate that the neutral, hydrophobic residue I521 at the extracellular end of S4 is critical for stabilizing the closed conformation of the hERG channel relative to the open state and by comparison with Shaker supports the alignment of hERG I521 with Shaker L361.

Interactions between voltage sensor and pore domains in a hERG K+ channel model from molecular simulations and the effects of a voltage sensor mutation

The hERG K(+) channel is important for establishing normal electrical activity in the human heart. The channel's unique gating response to membrane potential changes indicates specific interactions between voltage sensor and pore domains that are poorly understood. In the absence of a crystal structure we constructed a homology model of the full hERG membrane domain and performed 0.5 μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in a hydrated membrane. The simulations identify potential interactions involving residues at the extracellular surface of S1 in the voltage sensor and at the N-terminal end of the pore helix in the hERG model. In addition, a diffuse interface involving hydrophobic residues on S4 (voltage sensor) and pore domain S5 of an adjacent subunit was stable during 0.5 μs of simulation. To assess the ability of the model to give insight into the effects of channel mutation we simulated a hERG mutant that contains a Leu to Pro substitution in the voltage sensor S4 helical segment (hERG L532P). Consistent with the retention of gated K(+) conductance, the L532P mutation was accommodated in the S4 helix with little disruption of helical structure. The mutation reduced the extent of interaction across the S4-S5 interface, suggesting a structural basis for the greatly enhanced deactivation rate in hERG L532P. The study indicates that pairwise comparison of wild-type and mutated channel models is a useful approach to interpreting functional data where uncertainty in model structures exist.

Mechanistic basis for type 2 long QT syndrome caused by KCNH2 mutations that disrupt conserved arginine residues in the voltage sensor

KCNH2 encodes the Kv11.1 channel, which conducts the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (I Kr) in the heart. KCNH2 mutations cause type 2 long QT syndrome (LQT2), which increases the risk for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. LQT2 mutations are predicted to prolong the cardiac action potential (AP) by reducing I Kr during repolarization. Kv11.1 contains several conserved basic amino acids in the fourth transmembrane segment (S4) of the voltage sensor that are important for normal channel trafficking and gating. This study sought to determine the mechanism(s) by which LQT2 mutations at conserved arginine residues in S4 (R531Q, R531W or R534L) alter Kv11.1 function. Western blot analyses of HEK293 cells transiently expressing R531Q, R531W or R534L suggested that only R534L inhibited Kv11.1 trafficking. Voltage-clamping experiments showed that R531Q or R531W dramatically altered Kv11.1 current (I Kv11.1) activation, inactivation, recovery from inactivation and deactivation. Coexpression of wild type (to mimic the patients' genotypes) mostly corrected the changes in I Kv11.1 activation and inactivation, but deactivation kinetics were still faster. Computational simulations using a human ventricular AP model showed that accelerating deactivation rates was sufficient to prolong the AP, but these effects were minimal compared to simply reducing I Kr. These are the first data to demonstrate that coexpressing wild type can correct activation and inactivation dysfunction caused by mutations at a critical voltage-sensing residue in Kv11.1. We conclude that some Kv11.1 mutations might accelerate deactivation to cause LQT2 but that the ventricular AP duration is much more sensitive to mutations that decrease I Kr. This likely explains why most LQT2 mutations are nonsense or trafficking-deficient.

Cardiac ion channels and mechanisms for protection against atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is recognised as the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice. Ongoing drug development is aiming at obtaining atrial specific effects in order to prevent pro-arrhythmic, devastating ventricular effects. In principle, this is possible due to a different ion channel composition in the atria and ventricles. The present text will review the aetiology of arrhythmias with focus on AF and include a description of cardiac ion channels. Channels that constitute potentially atria-selective targets will be described in details. Specific focus is addressed to the recent discovery that Ca(2+)-activated small conductance K(+) channels (SK channels) are important for the repolarisation of atrial action potentials. Finally, an overview of current pharmacological treatment of AF is included.

Components of gating charge movement and S4 voltage-sensor exposure during activation of hERG channels

The human ether-á-go-go–related gene (hERG) K⁺ channel encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the rapid delayed rectifier current, I_Kr, and has unique activation gating kinetics, in that the α subunit of the channel activates and deactivates very slowly, which focuses the role of I_Kr current to a critical period during action potential repolarization in the heart. Despite its physiological importance, fundamental mechanistic properties of hERG channel activation gating remain unclear, including how voltage-sensor movement rate limits pore opening. Here, we study this directly by recording voltage-sensor domain currents in mammalian cells for the first time and measuring the rates of voltage-sensor modification by [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl] methanethiosulfonate chloride (MTSET). Gating currents recorded from hERG channels expressed in mammalian tsA201 cells using low resistance pipettes show two charge systems, defined as Q₁ and Q₂, with V_1/2’s of −55.7 (equivalent charge, z = 1.60) and −54.2 mV (z = 1.30), respectively, with the Q₂ charge system carrying approximately two thirds of the overall gating charge. The time constants for charge movement at 0 mV were 2.5 and 36.2 ms for Q₁ and Q₂, decreasing to 4.3 ms for Q₂ at +60 mV, an order of magnitude faster than the time constants of ionic current appearance at these potentials. The voltage and time dependence of Q₂ movement closely correlated with the rate of MTSET modification of I521C in the outermost region of the S4 segment, which had a V_1/2 of −64 mV and time constants of 36 ± 8.5 ms and 11.6 ± 6.3 ms at 0 and +60 mV, respectively. Modeling of Q₁ and Q₂ charge systems showed that a minimal scheme of three transitions is sufficient to account for the experimental findings. These data point to activation steps further downstream of voltage-sensor movement that provide the major delays to pore opening in hERG channels.

HERG potassium channel regulation by the N-terminal eag domain

Human ether-á-go-go related gene (hERG, K(v)11.1) potassium channels play a significant role in cardiac excitability. Like other K(v) channels, hERG is activated by membrane voltage; however, distinct from other K(v) channels, hERG channels have unusually slow kinetics of closing (deactivation). The mechanism for slow deactivation involves an N-terminal "eag domain" which comprises a PAS (Per-Arnt-Sim) domain and a short Cap domain. Here we review recent advances in understanding how the eag domain regulates deactivation, including several new Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) solution structures of the eag domain, and evidence showing that the eag domain makes a direct interaction with the C-terminal C-linker and Cyclic Nucleotide-Binding Homology Domain.

hERG K+ Channels: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance

The human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ channel, Kv11.1, which are expressed in the heart, various brain regions, smooth muscle cells, endocrine cells, and a wide range of tumor cell lines. However, it is the role that Kv11.1 channels play in the heart that has been best characterized, for two main reasons. First, it is the gene product involved in chromosome 7-associated long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited disorder associated with a markedly increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Second, blockade of Kv11.1, by a wide range of prescription medications, causes drug-induced QT prolongation with an increase in risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In the first part of this review, the properties of Kv11.1 channels, including biogenesis, trafficking, gating, and pharmacology are discussed, while the second part focuses on the pathophysiology of Kv11.1 channels.

Voltage-dependent gating of HERG potassium channels

The mechanisms by which voltage-gated channels sense changes in membrane voltage and energetically couple this with opening of the ion conducting pore has been the source of significant interest. In voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, much of our knowledge in this area comes from Shaker-type channels, for which voltage-dependent gating is quite rapid. In these channels, activation and deactivation are associated with rapid reconfiguration of the voltage-sensing domain unit that is electromechanically coupled, via the S4-S5 linker helix, to the rate-limiting opening of an intracellular pore gate. However, fast voltage-dependent gating kinetics are not typical of all Kv channels, such as Kv11.1 (human ether-à-go-go related gene, hERG), which activates and deactivates very slowly. Compared to Shaker channels, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying slow hERG gating is much poorer. Here, we present a comparative review of the structure-function relationships underlying activation and deactivation gating in Shaker and hERG channels, with a focus on the roles of the voltage-sensing domain and the S4-S5 linker that couples voltage sensor movements to the pore. Measurements of gating current kinetics and fluorimetric analysis of voltage sensor movement are consistent with models suggesting that the hERG activation pathway contains a voltage independent step, which limits voltage sensor transitions. Constraints upon hERG voltage sensor movement may result from loose packing of the S4 helices and additional intra-voltage sensor counter-charge interactions. More recent data suggest that key amino acid differences in the hERG voltage-sensing unit and S4-S5 linker, relative to fast activating Shaker-type Kv channels, may also contribute to the increased stability of the resting state of the voltage sensor.

Toxin modulators and blockers of hERG K(+) channels

The K(+) channel encoded by the Ether-á-go-go-Related Gene (ERG) is expressed in different tissues of different animal species. There are at least three subtypes of this channel, being the sub-type 1 (ERG1) crucial in the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. Mutations in this gene can affect the properties of the channel producing the type II long QT syndrome (LQTS2) and many drugs are also known to affect this channel with a similar side effect. Various scorpion, spider and sea anemone toxins affect the ERG currents by blocking the ion-conducting pore from the external side or by modulating channel gating through binding to the voltage-sensor domain. By doing so, these toxins become very useful tools for better understanding the structural and functional characteristics of these ion channels. This review discusses the interaction between the ERG channels and the peptides isolated from venoms of these animals. Special emphasis is placed on scorpion toxins, although the effects of several spider venom toxins and anemone toxins will be also revised.

Postnatal developmental decline in IK1 in mouse ventricular myocytes isolated by the Langendorff perfusion method: comparison with the chunk method

Expression and function of cardiac ion channels exhibit postnatal developmental changes, which, however, has not yet been proven in ventricular myocytes isolated using similar techniques. In this study, ventricular myocytes were enzymatically dissociated from mouse heart at different postnatal ages (including postnatal day 0) by similar techniques using Langendorff perfusion. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments were performed to record action potentials, I (K1), I (Kr), I (Kur), I (ss), and I (Ca,L), in ventricular myocytes freshly isolated from postnatal days 0, 7, and 14 and adult mice. Viable ventricular myocytes of day-0 mouse heart exhibited spindle-shaped appearance having cell length of approximately 50 μm, which gradually developed to a rod-shaped one having clear cross striation with cell length of approximately 120 μm (adult). The action potential duration markedly shortened, while the resting membrane potential depolarized to a small but significant extent during postnatal development. I (K1) density was maximal in postnatal day-0 ventricular myocytes and gradually decreased during development, which was accompanied by postnatal depolarization of resting membrane potential. However, I (K1) density was markedly decreased by approximately 80% in postnatal day-0 ventricular myocytes, when isolated by the chunk method. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analyses demonstrated higher Kir2.3 expression but lower expression levels of Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 in day-0 mouse ventricles, compared with those of day-14 and adult mouse ventricles. Whereas I (Kr) exhibited marked decrease during postnatal development, I (Kur), I (ss), and I (Ca,L) exhibited postnatal developmental increase. The present cell isolation method using the Langendorff perfusion thus found that, in mouse ventricles, I (K1) exhibited postnatal developmental decrease, associated with depolarization of resting potential.

The S4-S5 linker acts as a signal integrator for HERG K+ channel activation and deactivation gating

Human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) K(+) channels have unusual gating kinetics. Characterised by slow activation/deactivation but rapid inactivation/recovery from inactivation, the unique gating kinetics underlie the central role hERG channels play in cardiac repolarisation. The slow activation and deactivation kinetics are regulated in part by the S4-S5 linker, which couples movement of the voltage sensor domain to opening of the activation gate at the distal end of the inner helix of the pore domain. It has also been suggested that cytosolic domains may interact with the S4-S5 linker to regulate activation and deactivation kinetics. Here, we show that the solution structure of a peptide corresponding to the S4-S5 linker of hERG contains an amphipathic helix. The effects of mutations at the majority of residues in the S4-S5 linker of hERG were consistent with the previously identified role in coupling voltage sensor movement to the activation gate. However, mutations to Ser543, Tyr545, Gly546 and Ala548 had more complex phenotypes indicating that these residues are involved in additional interactions. We propose a model in which the S4-S5 linker, in addition to coupling VSD movement to the activation gate, also contributes to interactions that stabilise the closed state and a separate set of interactions that stabilise the open state. The S4-S5 linker therefore acts as a signal integrator and plays a crucial role in the slow deactivation kinetics of the channel.

Models of HERG gating

HERG (Kv11.1, KCNH2) is a voltage-gated potassium channel with unique gating characteristics. HERG has fast voltage-dependent inactivation, relatively slow deactivation, and fast recovery from inactivation. This combination of gating kinetics makes study of HERG difficult without using mathematical models. Several HERG models have been developed, with fundamentally different organization. HERG is the molecular basis of I(Kr), which plays a critical role in repolarization. We programmed and compared five distinct HERG models. HERG gating cannot be adequately replicated using Hodgkin-Huxley type formulation. Using Markov models, a five-state model is required with three closed, one open, and one inactivated state, and a voltage-independent step between some of the closed states. A fundamental difference between models is the presence/absence of a transition directly from the proximal closed state to the inactivated state. The only models that effectively reproduce HERG data have no direct closed-inactivated transition, or have a closed-inactivated transition that is effectively zero compared to the closed-open transition, rendering the closed-inactivation transition superfluous. Our single-channel model demonstrates that channels can inactivate without conducting with a flickering or bursting open-state. The various models have qualitative and quantitative differences that are critical to accurate predictions of HERG behavior during repolarization, tachycardia, and premature depolarizations.

Molecular coupling in the human ether-a-go-go-related gene-1 (hERG1) K+ channel inactivation pathway

Emerging evidence suggests that K(+) channel inactivation involves coupling between residues in adjacent regions of the channel. Human ether-a-go-go-related gene-1 (hERG1) K(+) channels undergo a fast inactivation gating process that is crucial for maintaining electrical stability in the heart. The molecular mechanisms that drive inactivation in hERG1 channels are unknown. Using alanine scanning mutagenesis, we show that a pore helix residue (Thr-618) that points toward the S5 segment is critical for normal inactivation gating. Amino acid substitutions at position 618 modulate the free energy of inactivation gating, causing enhanced or reduced inactivation. Mutation of an S5 residue that is predicted to be adjacent to Thr-618 (W568L) abolishes inactivation and alters ion selectivity. The introduction of the Thr-618-equivalent residue in Kv1.5 enhances inactivation. Molecular dynamic simulations of the Kv1.2 tetramer reveal van der Waals coupling between hERG1 618- and 568-equivalent residues and a significant increase in interaction energies when threonine is introduced at the 618-equivalent position. We propose that coupling between the S5 segment and pore helix may participate in the inactivation process in hERG1 channels.

The hERG K(+) channel S4 domain L532P mutation: characterization at 37°C

hERG (human Ether-à-go-go Related Gene) is responsible for ion channels mediating rapid delayed rectifier potassium current, I_Kr, which is key to cardiac action potential repolarization. Gain-of-function hERG mutations give rise to the SQT1 variant of the Short QT Syndrome (SQTS). Reggae mutant zebrafish, with a S4 zERG mutation (Leucine499Proline; L499P), display arrhythmic features analogous to those seen in the SQTS. The affected S4 domain ERG residue is highly conserved. This study was executed to determine how the homologous hERG mutation (L532P) influences channel function at 37 °C. Whole-cell measurements of current (I_hERG) were made from HEK 293 cells expressing WT or L532P hERG. The half maximal activation voltage (V_0.5) of L532P I_hERG was positively shifted by ~+36 mV compared to WT I_hERG; however at negative voltages a pronounced L532P I_hERG was observed. Both activation and deactivation time-courses were accelerated for L532P I_hERG. The inactivation V_0.5 for L532P I_hERG was shifted by ~+32 mV. Under action potential (AP) voltage-clamp, L532P I_hERG exhibited a dome-shaped current peaking at ~+16 mV, compared to ~−31 mV for WT-I_hERG. The L532P mutation produced an ~ 5-fold increase in the IC₅₀ for dronedarone inhibition of I_hERG. Homology modeling indicated that the L532 residue within the S4 helix lies closely apposed to the S5 region of an adjacent hERG subunit. Alterations to the S4 domain structure and, potentially, to interactions between adjacent hERG subunits are likely to account for the functional effects of this mutation.

Conformational changes in the M2 muscarinic receptor induced by membrane voltage and agonist binding

The ability to sense transmembrane voltage is a central feature of many membrane proteins, most notably voltage-gated ion channels. Gating current measurements provide valuable information on protein conformational changes induced by voltage. The recent observation that muscarinic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) generate gating currents confirms their intrinsic capacity to sense the membrane electrical field. Here, we studied the effect of voltage on agonist activation of M2 muscarinic receptors (M2R) in atrial myocytes and how agonist binding alters M2R gating currents. Membrane depolarization decreased the potency of acetylcholine (ACh), but increased the potency and efficacy of pilocarpine (Pilo), as measured by ACh-activated K+ current, I(KACh). Voltage-induced conformational changes in M2R were modified in a ligand-selective manner: ACh reduced gating charge displacement while Pilo increased the amount of charge displaced. Thus, these ligands manifest opposite voltage-dependent I(KACh) modulation and exert opposite effects on M2R gating charge displacement. Finally, mutations in the putative ligand binding site perturbed the movement of the M2R voltage sensor. Our data suggest that changes in voltage induce conformational changes in the ligand binding site that alter the agonist–receptor interaction in a ligand-dependent manner. Voltage-dependent GPCR modulation has important implications for cellular signalling in excitable tissues. Gating current measurement allows for the tracking of subtle conformational changes in the receptor that accompany agonist binding and changes in membrane voltage.

Mutations within the S4-S5 linker alter voltage sensor constraints in hERG K+ channels

Human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) channel gating is associated with slow activation, yet the mechanistic basis for this is unclear. Here, we examine the effects of mutation of a unique glycine residue (G546) in the S4-S5 linker on voltage sensor movement and its coupling to pore gating. Substitution of G546 with residues possessing different physicochemical properties shifted activation gating by ∼-50 mV (with the exception of G546C). With the activation shift taken into account, the time constant of activation was also accelerated, suggesting a stabilization of the closed state by ∼1.6-4.3 kcal/mol (the energy equivalent of one to two hydrogen bonds). Predictions of the α-helical content of the S4-S5 linker suggest that the presence of G546 in wild-type hERG provides flexibility to the helix. Deactivation gating was affected differentially by the G546 substitutions. G546V induced a pronounced slow component of closing that was voltage-independent. Fluorescence measurements of voltage sensor movement in G546V revealed a slow component of voltage sensor return that was uncoupled from charge movement, suggesting a direct effect of the mutation on voltage sensor movement. These data suggest that G546 plays a critical role in channel gating and that hERG channel closing involves at least two independently modifiable reconfigurations of the voltage sensor.

Mapping the sequence of conformational changes underlying selectivity filter gating in the K(v)11.1 potassium channel

The potassium channel selectivity filter both discriminates between K(+) and sodium ions and contributes to gating of ion flow. Static structures of conducting (open) and nonconducting (inactivated) conformations of this filter are known; however, the sequence of protein rearrangements that connect these two states is not. We show that closure of the selectivity filter gate in the human K(v)11.1 K(+) channel (also known as hERG, for ether-a-go-go-related gene), a key regulator of the rhythm of the heartbeat, is initiated by K(+) exit, followed in sequence by conformational rearrangements of the pore domain outer helix, extracellular turret region, voltage sensor domain, intracellular domains and pore domain inner helix. In contrast to the simple wave-like sequence of events proposed for opening of ligand-gated ion channels, a complex spatial and temporal sequence of widespread domain motions connect the open and inactivated states of the K(v)11.1 K(+) channel.

Revealing the structural basis of action of hERG potassium channel activators and blockers

Human ether-á-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium (K(+)) channels play a critical role in cardiac action potential repolarization. This is due, in large part, to the unique gating properties of these channels, which are characterized by relatively slow activation and an unusually fast and voltage-dependent inactivation. A large number of structurally diverse compounds bind to hERG and carry an unacceptably high risk of causing arrhythmias. On the other hand, drugs that increase hERG current may, at least in principle, prove useful for treatment of long QT syndrome. A few blockers have been shown to increase hERG current at potentials close to the threshold for channel activation--a process referred to as facilitation. More recently, a novel group of hERG channel activators have been identified that slow deactivation and/or attenuate inactivation. Structural determinants for the action of two different types of activators have been identified. These compounds bind at sites that are distinct from each other and also separate from the binding site of high affinity blockers. They reveal not only novel ways of chemically manipulating hERG channel function, but also interactions between structural domains that are critical to normal activation and inactivation gating.

Fluorescence-tracking of activation gating in human ERG channels reveals rapid S4 movement and slow pore opening

Background

hERG channels are physiologically important ion channels which mediate cardiac repolarization as a result of their unusual gating properties. These are very slow activation compared with other mammalian voltage-gated potassium channels, and extremely rapid inactivation. The mechanism of slow activation is not well understood and is investigated here using fluorescence as a direct measure of S4 movement and pore opening.

Methods and Findings

Tetramethylrhodamine-5-maleimide (TMRM) fluorescence at E519 has been used to track S4 voltage sensor movement, and channel opening and closing in hERG channels. Endogenous cysteines (C445 and C449) in the S1–S2 linker bound TMRM, which caused a 10 mV hyperpolarization of the V_½ of activation to −27.5±2.0 mV, and showed voltage-dependent fluorescence signals. Substitution of S1–S2 linker cysteines with valines allowed unobstructed recording of S3–S4 linker E519C and L520C emission signals. Depolarization of E519C channels caused rapid initial fluorescence quenching, fit with a double Boltzmann relationship, F-V_ON, with V_½,1 = −37.8±1.7 mV, and V_½,2 = 43.5±7.9 mV. The first phase, V_½,1, was ∼20 mV negative to the conductance-voltage relationship measured from ionic tail currents (G-V_½ = −18.3±1.2 mV), and relatively unchanged in a non-inactivating E519C:S620T mutant (V_½ = −34.4±1.5 mV), suggesting the fast initial fluorescence quenching tracked S4 voltage sensor movement. The second phase of rapid quenching was absent in the S620T mutant. The E519C fluorescence upon repolarization (V_½ = −20.6±1.2, k = 11.4 mV) and L520C quenching during depolarization (V_½ = −26.8±1.0, k = 13.3 mV) matched the respective voltage dependencies of hERG ionic tails, and deactivation time constants from −40 to −110 mV, suggesting they detected pore-S4 rearrangements related to ionic current flow during pore opening and closing.

Conclusion

The data indicate: 1) that rapid environmental changes occur at the outer end of S4 in hERG channels that underlie channel activation gating, and 2) that secondary slower changes reflect channel pore opening during sustained depolarizations, and channel closing upon repolarization. 3) No direct evidence was obtained of conformational changes related to inactivation from fluorophores attached at the outer end of S4.

Repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Does an increase in repolarization capacity constitute a new anti-arrhythmic principle?

The cardiac action potential can be divided into five distinct phases designated phases 0-4. The exact shape of the action potential comes about primarily as an orchestrated function of ion channels. The present review will give an overview of ion channels involved in generating the cardiac action potential with special emphasis on potassium channels involved in phase 3 repolarization. In humans, these channels are primarily K(v)11.1 (hERG1), K(v)7.1 (KCNQ1) and K(ir)2.1 (KCNJ2) being the responsible alpha-subunits for conducting I(Kr), I(Ks) and I(K1). An account will be given about molecular components, biophysical properties, regulation, interaction with other proteins and involvement in diseases. Both loss and gain of function of these currents are associated with different arrhythmogenic diseases. The second part of this review will therefore elucidate arrhythmias and subsequently focus on newly developed chemical entities having the ability to increase the activity of I(Kr), I(Ks) and I(K1). An evaluation will be given addressing the possibility that this novel class of compounds have the ability to constitute a new anti-arrhythmic principle. Experimental evidence from in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo settings will be included. Furthermore, conceptual differences between the short QT syndrome and I(Kr) activation will be accounted for.

PD-118057 contacts the pore helix of hERG1 channels to attenuate inactivation and enhance K+ conductance

Human ether-a-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) K(+) channels mediate repolarization of cardiac action potentials. Unintended block of hERG1 channels by some drugs can prolong the QT interval and induce arrhythmia. Recently, hERG1 channel agonists were discovered and, based on their mechanisms of action can be classified into two types. RPR260243 [(3R,4R)-4-[3-(6-methoxy-quinolin-4-yl)-3-oxo-propyl]-1-[3-(2,3,5 trifluorophenyl)-prop-2-ynyl]-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid], a type 1 agonist, binds to residues located near the intracellular end of S5 and S6 transmembrane segments and activates hERG1 channels by a dual mechanism of slowed deactivation and attenuated P-type inactivation. As defined here, type 2 agonists such as PD-118057 [2-(4-[2-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-phenylamino)-benzoic acid] attenuate inactivation but do not slow deactivation. At 10 muM, PD-118057 shifted the half-point for inactivation of wild-type hERG1 channels by +19 mV and increased peak outward current by 136%. Scanning mutagenesis and functional characterization of 44 mutant channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes was used to identify the major structural determinants of the binding site for PD-118057. Single mutations of residues in the pore helix (F619) or the S6 segment (L646) of hERG1 eliminated agonist activity. Mutation of a nearby residues in the S6 segment (C643, M645) enhanced drug activity, presumably by reducing steric hindrance for drug binding. Molecular modeling indicates that PD-118057 binds to a hydrophobic pocket formed by L646 of one hERG1 subunit and F619 of an adjacent subunit. We conclude that direct interaction of PD-118057 with the pore helix attenuates fast P-type inactivation and increases open probability of hERG1 channels.

A recombinant N-terminal domain fully restores deactivation gating in N-truncated and long QT syndrome mutant hERG potassium channels

Human ether á go-go related gene (hERG) potassium channels play a central role in cardiac repolarization where channel closing (deactivation) regulates current density during action potentials. Consequently, mutations in hERG that perturb deactivation are linked to long QT syndrome (LQTS), a catastrophic cardiac arrhythmia. Interactions between an N-terminal domain and the pore-forming "core" of the channel were proposed to regulate deactivation, however, despite its central importance the mechanistic basis for deactivation is unclear. Here, to more directly examine the mechanism for regulation of deactivation, we genetically fused N-terminal domains to fluorescent proteins and tested channel function with electrophysiology and protein interactions with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy. Truncation of hERG N-terminal regions markedly sped deactivation, and here we report that reapplication of gene fragments encoding N-terminal residues 1-135 (the "eag domain") was sufficient to restore regulation of deactivation. We show that fluorophore-tagged eag domains and N-truncated channels were in close proximity at the plasma membrane as determined with FRET. The eag domains with Y43A or R56Q (a LQTS locus) mutations showed less regulation of deactivation and less FRET, whereas eag domains restored regulation of deactivation gating to full-length Y43A or R56Q channels and showed FRET. This study demonstrates that direct, noncovalent interactions between the eag domain and the channel core were sufficient to regulate deactivation gating, that an LQTS mutation perturbed physical interactions between the eag domain and the channel, and that small molecules such as the eag domain represent a novel method for restoring function to channels with disease-causing mutations.

Clinical and genetic analysis of long QT syndrome in children from six families in Saudi Arabia: are they different?

Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited cardiac arrhythmia disorder characterized by prolongation of the QT interval; patients are predisposed to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation leading to recurrent syncope or sudden cardiac death. We performed clinical and genetic studies in six Saudi Arabian families with a history of sudden unexplained death of children. Clinical symptoms, ECG phenotypes, and genetic findings led to the diagnosis of LQT1 in two families (recessive) and LQT2 in four families (three recessive and one dominant). Onset of arrhythmia was more severe in the recessive carriers and occurred during early childhood in all recessive LQT1 patients. Arrhythmia originated at the intrauterine stages of life in the recessive LQT2 patients. LQT1, causing mutation c.387-5 T > A in the KCNQ1 gene, and LQT2, causing mutation c.3208 C > T in the KCNH2 gene, are presumably founder mutations in the Assir province of Saudi Arabia. Further, all LQTS causing mutations detected in this study are novel and have not been reported in other populations.

The pore domain outer helix contributes to both activation and inactivation of the HERG K+ channel

Ion flow in many voltage-gated K(+) channels (VGK), including the (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) hERG channel, is regulated by reversible collapse of the selectivity filter. hERG channels, however, exhibit low sequence homology to other VGKs, particularly in the outer pore helix (S5) domain, and we hypothesize that this contributes to the unique activation and inactivation kinetics in hERG K(+) channels that are so important for cardiac electrical activity. The S5 domain in hERG identified by NMR spectroscopy closely corresponded to the segment predicted by bioinformatics analysis of 676 members of the VGK superfamily. Mutations to approximately every third residue, from Phe(551) to Trp(563), affected steady state activation, whereas mutations to approximately every third residue on an adjacent face and spanning the entire S5 segment perturbed inactivation, suggesting that the whole span of S5 experiences a rearrangement associated with inactivation. We refined a homology model of the hERG pore domain using constraints from the mutagenesis data with residues affecting inactivation pointing in toward S6. In this model the three residues with maximum impact on activation (W563A, F559A, and F551A) face out toward the voltage sensor. In addition, the residues that when mutated to alanine, or from alanine to valine, that did not express (Ala(561), His(562), Ala(565), Trp(568), and Ile(571)), all point toward the pore helix and contribute to close hydrophobic packing in this region of the channel.

FRET with multiply labeled HERG K(+) channels as a reporter of the in vivo coarse architecture of the cytoplasmic domains

The intracellular N-terminus of human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) potassium channels constitutes a key determinant of activation and deactivation characteristics and is necessary for hormone-induced modifications of gating properties. However, the general organization of the long amino and carboxy HERG terminals remains unknown. In this study we performed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy with a library of fluorescent HERG fusion proteins obtained combining site-directed and transposon-based random insertion of GFP variants into multiple sites of HERG. Determinations of FRET efficiencies with functional HERG channels labeled in different combinations localize the fluorophores, introduced in the amino and carboxy ends, in two quadratic planes of 7.8 and 8.6 nm lateral size, showing a vertical separation of nearly 8 nm without major angular torsion between the planes. Similar analysis using labels at positions 345 and 905 of the amino and carboxy terminals, located them slightly above the planes delimited by the amino and carboxy end labels, respectively. Our data also indicate an almost vertical arrangement of the fluorophores introduced in the NH(2) and COOH ends and at position 905, but a near 45 degrees angular rotation between the planes delimited by these labels and the 345-located fluorophores. Systematic triangulation using interfluorophore distances coming from multiply labeled channels provides an initial constraint on the overall in vivo arrangement of the HERG cytoplasmic domains, suggesting that the C-linker/CNBD region of HERG hangs centrally below the transmembrane core, with the initial portion of the amino terminus around its top and side surfaces directed towards the gating machinery.