1
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Zhang G, Yang H, Wang Y, Liang H, Shi J, Cui J. Redox-dependent Cd 2+ inhibition of BK-type Ca 2+-activated K + channels. Biophys J 2024; 123:2076-2084. [PMID: 38400542 PMCID: PMC11309971 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK channels) are formed by Slo1 subunits as a homotetramer. Besides Ca2+, other divalent cations, such as Cd2+, also activate BK channels when applied intracellularly by shifting the conductance-voltage relation to more negative voltages. However, we found that if the inside-out patch containing BK channels was treated with solution containing reducing agents such as dithiothreitol (DTT), then subsequent Cd2+ application completely inhibited BK currents. The DTT-dependent Cd2+ inhibition could be reversed by treating the patch with solutions containing H2O2, suggesting that a redox reaction regulates the Cd2+ inhibition of BK channels. Similar DTT-dependent Cd2+ inhibition was also observed in a mutant BK channel, Core-MT, in which the cytosolic domain of the channel is deleted, and in the proton-activated Slo3 channels but not observed in the voltage-gated Shaker K+ channels. A possible mechanism for the DTT-dependent Cd2+ inhibition is that DTT treatment breaks one or more disulfide bonds between cysteine pairs in the BK channel protein and the freed thiol groups coordinate with Cd2+ to form an ion bridge that blocks the channel or locks the channel at the closed state. However, surprisingly, none of the mutations of all cysteine residues in Slo1 affect the DTT-dependent Cd2+ inhibition. These results are puzzling, with an apparent contradiction: on one hand, a redox reaction seems to regulate Cd2+ inhibition of the channel, but on the other hand, no cysteine residue in the Slo1 subunit seems to be involved in such inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Huanghe Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Yuyin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hongwu Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
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2
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Meredith AL. BK Channelopathies and KCNMA1-Linked Disease Models. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:277-300. [PMID: 37906945 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-030323-042845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Novel KCNMA1 variants, encoding the BK K+ channel, are associated with a debilitating dyskinesia and epilepsy syndrome. Neurodevelopmental delay, cognitive disability, and brain and structural malformations are also diagnosed at lower incidence. More than half of affected individuals present with a rare negative episodic motor disorder, paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD3). The mechanistic relationship of PNKD3 to epilepsy and the broader spectrum of KCNMA1-associated symptomology is unknown. This review summarizes patient-associated KCNMA1 variants within the BK channel structure, functional classifications, genotype-phenotype associations, disease models, and treatment. Patient and transgenic animal data suggest delineation of gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function KCNMA1 neurogenetic disease, validating two heterozygous alleles encoding GOF BK channels (D434G and N999S) as causing seizure and PNKD3. This discovery led to a variant-defined therapeutic approach for PNKD3, providing initial insight into the neurological basis. A comprehensive clinical definition of monogenic KCNMA1-linked disease and the neuronal mechanisms currently remain priorities for continued investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Meredith
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA;
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3
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Catacuzzeno L, Conti F, Franciolini F. Fifty years of gating currents and channel gating. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:e202313380. [PMID: 37410612 PMCID: PMC10324510 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We celebrate this year the 50th anniversary of the first electrophysiological recordings of the gating currents from voltage-dependent ion channels done in 1973. This retrospective tries to illustrate the context knowledge on channel gating and the impact gating-current recording had then, and how it continued to clarify concepts, elaborate new ideas, and steer the scientific debate in these 50 years. The notion of gating particles and gating currents was first put forward by Hodgkin and Huxley in 1952 as a necessary assumption for interpreting the voltage dependence of the Na and K conductances of the action potential. 20 years later, gating currents were actually recorded, and over the following decades have represented the most direct means of tracing the movement of the gating charges and gaining insights into the mechanisms of channel gating. Most work in the early years was focused on the gating currents from the Na and K channels as found in the squid giant axon. With channel cloning and expression on heterologous systems, other channels as well as voltage-dependent enzymes were investigated. Other approaches were also introduced (cysteine mutagenesis and labeling, site-directed fluorometry, cryo-EM crystallography, and molecular dynamics [MD] modeling) to provide an integrated and coherent view of voltage-dependent gating in biological macromolecules. The layout of this retrospective reflects the past 50 years of investigations on gating currents, first addressing studies done on Na and K channels and then on other voltage-gated channels and non-channel structures. The review closes with a brief overview of how the gating-charge/voltage-sensor movements are translated into pore opening and the pathologies associated with mutations targeting the structures involved with the gating currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Catacuzzeno
- Department of Chemistry Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Franco Conti
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Franciolini
- Department of Chemistry Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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4
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Nordquist EB, Jia Z, Chen J. Inner pore hydration free energy controls the activation of big potassium channels. Biophys J 2023; 122:1158-1167. [PMID: 36774534 PMCID: PMC10111268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrophobic gating is an emerging mechanism in regulation of protein ion channels where the pore remains physically open but becomes dewetted to block ion permeation. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations have played a crucial role in understanding hydrophobic gating by providing the molecular details to complement mutagenesis and structural studies. However, existing studies rely on direct simulations and do not quantitatively describe how the sequence and structural changes may control the delicate liquid-vapor equilibrium of confined water in the pore of the channel protein. To address this limitation, we explore two enhanced sampling methods, namely metadynamics and umbrella sampling, to derive free-energy profiles of pore hydration in both the closed and open states of big potassium (BK) channels, which are important in cardiovascular and neural systems. It was found that metadynamics required substantially longer sampling times and struggled to generate stably converged free-energy profiles due to the slow dynamics of cooperative pore water diffusion even in the barrierless limit. Using umbrella sampling, well-converged free-energy profiles can be readily generated for the wild-type BK channels as well as three mutants with pore-lining mutations experimentally known to dramatically perturb the channel gating voltage. The results show that the free energy of pore hydration faithfully reports the gating voltage of the channel, providing further support for hydrophobic gating in BK channels. Free-energy analysis of pore hydration should provide a powerful approach for quantitative studies of how protein sequence, structure, solution conditions, and/or drug binding may modulate hydrophobic gating in ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik B Nordquist
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Zhiguang Jia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts.
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5
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Gao J, Yin H, Dong Y, Wang X, Liu Y, Wang K. A Novel Role of Uricosuric Agent Benzbromarone in BK Channel Activation and Reduction of Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:241-254. [PMID: 36669879 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The uricosuric drug benzbromarone, widely used for treatment of gout, hyperpolarizes the membrane potential of airway smooth muscle cells, but how it works remains unknown. Here we show a novel role of benzbromarone in activation of large conductance calcium-activated K+ channels. Benzbromarone results in dose-dependent activation of macroscopic big potassium (BK) currents about 1.7- to 14.5-fold with an EC50 of 111 μM and shifts the voltage-dependent channel activation to a more hyperpolarizing direction about 10 to 54 mV in whole-cell patch clamp recordings. In single-channel recordings, benzbromarone decreases single BKα channel closed dwell time and increases the channel open probability. Coexpressing β1 subunit also enhances BK activation by benzbromarone with an EC50 of 67 μM and a leftward shift of conductance-voltage (G-V) curve about 44 to 138 mV. Site-directed mutagenesis reveals that a motif of three amino acids 329RKK331 in the cytoplasmic linker between S6 and C-terminal regulator of potassium conductance (RCK) gating ring mediates the pharmacological activation of BK channels by benzbromarone. Further ex vivo assay shows that benzbromarone causes reduction of tracheal strip contraction. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that uricosuric benzbromarone activates BK channels through molecular mechanism of action involving the channel RKK motif of S6-RCK linker. Pharmacological activation of BK channel by benzbromarone causes reduction of tracheal strip contraction, holding a repurposing potential for asthma and pulmonary arterial hypertension or BK channelopathies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We describe a novel role of uricosuric agent benzbromarone in big potassium (BK) channel activation and relaxation of airway smooth muscle contraction. In this study, we find that benzbromarone is an activator of the large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ channel (BK channel), which serves numerous cellular functions, including control of smooth muscle contraction. Pharmacological activation of BK channel by the FDA-approved drug benzbromarone may hold repurposing potential for treatment of asthma and pulmonary arterial hypertension or BK channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.G., X.W.); Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China (H.Y., Y.D., Y.L., K.W.); and Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China (Y.L., K.W.)
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.G., X.W.); Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China (H.Y., Y.D., Y.L., K.W.); and Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China (Y.L., K.W.)
| | - Yanqun Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.G., X.W.); Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China (H.Y., Y.D., Y.L., K.W.); and Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China (Y.L., K.W.)
| | - Xintong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.G., X.W.); Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China (H.Y., Y.D., Y.L., K.W.); and Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China (Y.L., K.W.)
| | - Yani Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.G., X.W.); Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China (H.Y., Y.D., Y.L., K.W.); and Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China (Y.L., K.W.)
| | - KeWei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (J.G., X.W.); Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China (H.Y., Y.D., Y.L., K.W.); and Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China (Y.L., K.W.)
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6
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Vaithianathan T, Schneider EH, Bukiya AN, Dopico AM. Cholesterol and PIP 2 Modulation of BK Ca Channels. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1422:217-243. [PMID: 36988883 PMCID: PMC10683925 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21547-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+/voltage-gated, large conductance K+ channels (BKCa) are formed by homotetrameric association of α (slo1) subunits. Their activity, however, is suited to tissue-specific physiology largely due to their association with regulatory subunits (β and γ types), chaperone proteins, localized signaling, and the channel's lipid microenvironment. PIP2 and cholesterol can modulate BKCa activity independently of downstream signaling, yet activating Ca2+i levels and regulatory subunits control ligand action. At physiological Ca2+i and voltages, cholesterol and PIP2 reduce and increase slo1 channel activity, respectively. Moreover, slo1 proteins provide sites that seem to recognize cholesterol and PIP2: seven CRAC motifs in the slo1 cytosolic tail and a string of positively charged residues (Arg329, Lys330, Lys331) immediately after S6, respectively. A model that could explain the modulation of BKCa activity by cholesterol and/or PIP2 is hypothesized. The roles of additional sites, whether in slo1 or BKCa regulatory subunits, for PIP2 and/or cholesterol to modulate BKCa function are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thirumalini Vaithianathan
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Schneider
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Anna N Bukiya
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alex M Dopico
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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7
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Sun L, Horrigan FT. A gating lever and molecular logic gate that couple voltage and calcium sensor activation to opening in BK potassium channels. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq5772. [PMID: 36516264 PMCID: PMC9750137 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq5772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BK channels uniquely integrate voltage and calcium signaling in diverse cell types through allosteric activation of their K+-conducting pore by structurally distinct V and Ca2+ sensor domains. Here, we define mechanisms and interaction pathways that link V sensors to the pore by analyzing effects on allosteric coupling of point mutations in the context of Slo1 BK channel structure. A gating lever, mediated by S4/S5 segment interaction within the transmembrane domain, rotates to engage and stabilize the open conformation of the S6 inner pore helix upon V sensor activation. In addition, an indirect pathway, mediated by the carboxyl-terminal cytosolic domain (CTD) and C-linker that connects the CTD to S6, stabilizes the closed conformation when V sensors are at rest. Unexpectedly, this mechanism, which bypasses the covalent connections of C-linker to CTD and pore, also transduces Ca2+-dependent coupling in a manner that is completely nonadditive with voltage, analogous to the function of a digital logic (OR) gate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Sun
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Frank T. Horrigan
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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8
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Zhang G, Xu X, Jia Z, Geng Y, Liang H, Shi J, Marras M, Abella C, Magleby KL, Silva JR, Chen J, Zou X, Cui J. An allosteric modulator activates BK channels by perturbing coupling between Ca 2+ binding and pore opening. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6784. [PMID: 36351900 PMCID: PMC9646747 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34359-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BK type Ca2+-activated K+ channels activate in response to both voltage and Ca2+. The membrane-spanning voltage sensor domain (VSD) activation and Ca2+ binding to the cytosolic tail domain (CTD) open the pore across the membrane, but the mechanisms that couple VSD activation and Ca2+ binding to pore opening are not clear. Here we show that a compound, BC5, identified from in silico screening, interacts with the CTD-VSD interface and specifically modulates the Ca2+ dependent activation mechanism. BC5 activates the channel in the absence of Ca2+ binding but Ca2+ binding inhibits BC5 effects. Thus, BC5 perturbs a pathway that couples Ca2+ binding to pore opening to allosterically affect both, which is further supported by atomistic simulations and mutagenesis. The results suggest that the CTD-VSD interaction makes a major contribution to the mechanism of Ca2+ dependent activation and is an important site for allosteric agonists to modulate BK channel activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xianjin Xu
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Zhiguang Jia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Yanyan Geng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hongwu Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Martina Marras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carlota Abella
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karl L Magleby
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan R Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Xiaoqin Zou
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA. .,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA. .,Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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9
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Cui J. BK Channel Gating Mechanisms: Progresses Toward a Better Understanding of Variants Linked Neurological Diseases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:762175. [PMID: 34744799 PMCID: PMC8567085 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.762175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channel is activated by both membrane potential depolarization and intracellular Ca2+ with distinct mechanisms. Neural physiology is sensitive to the function of BK channels, which is shown by the discoveries of neurological disorders that are associated with BK channel mutations. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of BK channel activation in response to voltage and Ca2+ binding, including the recent progress since the publication of the atomistic structure of the whole BK channel protein, and the neurological disorders associated with BK channel mutations. These results demonstrate the unique mechanisms of BK channel activation and that these mechanisms are important factors in linking BK channel mutations to neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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10
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Liu Y, Xu X, Gao J, Naffaa MM, Liang H, Shi J, Wang HZ, Yang ND, Hou P, Zhao W, White KM, Kong W, Dou A, Cui A, Zhang G, Cohen IS, Zou X, Cui J. A PIP 2 substitute mediates voltage sensor-pore coupling in KCNQ activation. Commun Biol 2020; 3:385. [PMID: 32678288 PMCID: PMC7367283 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1104-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
KCNQ family K+ channels (KCNQ1-5) in the heart, nerve, epithelium and ear require phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) for voltage dependent activation. While membrane lipids are known to regulate voltage sensor domain (VSD) activation and pore opening in voltage dependent gating, PIP2 was found to interact with KCNQ1 and mediate VSD-pore coupling. Here, we show that a compound CP1, identified in silico based on the structures of both KCNQ1 and PIP2, can substitute for PIP2 to mediate VSD-pore coupling. Both PIP2 and CP1 interact with residues amongst a cluster of amino acids critical for VSD-pore coupling. CP1 alters KCNQ channel function due to different interactions with KCNQ compared with PIP2. We also found that CP1 returned drug-induced action potential prolongation in ventricular myocytes to normal durations. These results reveal the structural basis of PIP2 regulation of KCNQ channels and indicate a potential approach for the development of anti-arrhythmic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Liu
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Xianjin Xu
- grid.134936.a0000 0001 2162 3504Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Data Science & Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Junyuan Gao
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Institute for Molecular Cardiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Moawiah M. Naffaa
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Hongwu Liang
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Jingyi Shi
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Hong Zhan Wang
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Institute for Molecular Cardiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Nien-Du Yang
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Panpan Hou
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Kelli McFarland White
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Wenjuan Kong
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Alex Dou
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Amy Cui
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Guohui Zhang
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Ira S. Cohen
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Institute for Molecular Cardiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Xiaoqin Zou
- grid.134936.a0000 0001 2162 3504Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Data Science & Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Jianmin Cui
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
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11
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Zhang G, Gibson RA, McDonald M, Liang P, Kang PW, Shi J, Yang H, Cui J, Mikati MA. A Gain-of-Function Mutation in KCNMA1 Causes Dystonia Spells Controlled With Stimulant Therapy. Mov Disord 2020; 35:1868-1873. [PMID: 32633875 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mutations of KCNMA1 BK-type K+ channel have been identified in patients with various movement disorders. The underlying pathophysiology and corresponding therapeutics are lacking. OBJECTIVES To report our clinical and biophysical characterizations of a novel de novo KCNMA1 variant, as well as an effective therapy for the patient's dystonia-atonia spells. METHODS Combination of phenotypic characterization, therapy, and biophysical characterization of the patient and her mutation. RESULTS The patient had >100 dystonia-atonia spells per day with mild cerebellar atrophy. She also had autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous de novo BK N536H mutation. Our biophysical characterization demonstrates that N536H is a gain-of-function mutation with markedly enhanced voltage-dependent activation. Remarkably, administration of dextroamphetamine completely suppressed the dystonia-atonia spells. CONCLUSIONS BK N536H is a gain-of-function that causes dystonia and other neurological symptoms. Our stimulant therapy opens a new avenue to mitigate KCNMA1-linked movement disorders. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rebecca A Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marie McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pengfei Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Po Wei Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Huanghe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mohamad A Mikati
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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12
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Yazdani M, Zhang G, Jia Z, Shi J, Cui J, Chen J. Aromatic interactions with membrane modulate human BK channel activation. eLife 2020; 9:55571. [PMID: 32597752 PMCID: PMC7371421 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance potassium (BK) channels are transmembrane (TM) proteins that can be synergistically and independently activated by membrane voltage and intracellular Ca2+. The only covalent connection between the cytosolic Ca2+ sensing domain and the TM pore and voltage sensing domains is a 15-residue ‘C-linker’. To determine the linker’s role in human BK activation, we designed a series of linker sequence scrambling mutants to suppress potential complex interplay of specific interactions with the rest of the protein. The results revealed a surprising sensitivity of BK activation to the linker sequence. Combining atomistic simulations and further mutagenesis experiments, we demonstrated that nonspecific interactions of the linker with membrane alone could directly modulate BK activation. The C-linker thus plays more direct roles in mediating allosteric coupling between BK domains than previously assumed. Our results suggest that covalent linkers could directly modulate TM protein function and should be considered an integral component of the sensing apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Yazdani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St Louis, United States
| | - Zhiguang Jia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St Louis, United States
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St Louis, United States
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
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13
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Coupling of Ca 2+ and voltage activation in BK channels through the αB helix/voltage sensor interface. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14512-14521. [PMID: 32513714 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908183117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance Ca2+ and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channels control membrane excitability in many cell types. BK channels are tetrameric. Each subunit is composed of a voltage sensor domain (VSD), a central pore-gate domain, and a large cytoplasmic domain (CTD) that contains the Ca2+ sensors. While it is known that BK channels are activated by voltage and Ca2+, and that voltage and Ca2+ activations interact, less is known about the mechanisms involved. We explore here these mechanisms by examining the gating contribution of an interface formed between the VSDs and the αB helices located at the top of the CTDs. Proline mutations in the αB helix greatly decreased voltage activation while having negligible effects on gating currents. Analysis with the Horrigan, Cui, and Aldrich model indicated a decreased coupling between voltage sensors and pore gate. Proline mutations decreased Ca2+ activation for both Ca2+ bowl and RCK1 Ca2+ sites, suggesting that both high-affinity Ca2+ sites transduce their effect, at least in part, through the αB helix. Mg2+ activation also decreased. The crystal structure of the CTD with proline mutation L390P showed a flattening of the first helical turn in the αB helix compared to wild type, without other notable differences in the CTD, indicating that structural changes from the mutation were confined to the αB helix. These findings indicate that an intact αB helix/VSD interface is required for effective coupling of Ca2+ binding and voltage depolarization to pore opening and that shared Ca2+ and voltage transduction pathways involving the αB helix may be involved.
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14
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Fan C, Sukomon N, Flood E, Rheinberger J, Allen TW, Nimigean CM. Ball-and-chain inactivation in a calcium-gated potassium channel. Nature 2020; 580:288-293. [PMID: 32269335 PMCID: PMC7153497 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Inactivation is the process by which ion channels terminate ion flux through their pores while the opening stimulus is still present1. In neurons, inactivation of both sodium and potassium channels is crucial for the generation of action potentials and regulation of firing frequency1,2. A cytoplasmic domain of either the channel or an accessory subunit is thought to plug the open pore to inactivate the channel via a 'ball-and-chain' mechanism3-7. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy to identify the molecular gating mechanism in calcium-activated potassium channels by obtaining structures of the MthK channel from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum-a purely calcium-gated and inactivating channel-in a lipid environment. In the absence of Ca2+, we obtained a single structure in a closed state, which was shown by atomistic simulations to be highly flexible in lipid bilayers at ambient temperature, with large rocking motions of the gating ring and bending of pore-lining helices. In Ca2+-bound conditions, we obtained several structures, including multiple open-inactivated conformations, further indication of a highly dynamic protein. These different channel conformations are distinguished by rocking of the gating rings with respect to the transmembrane region, indicating symmetry breakage across the channel. Furthermore, in all conformations displaying open channel pores, the N terminus of one subunit of the channel tetramer sticks into the pore and plugs it, with free energy simulations showing that this is a strong interaction. Deletion of this N terminus leads to functionally non-inactivating channels and structures of open states without a pore plug, indicating that this previously unresolved N-terminal peptide is responsible for a ball-and-chain inactivation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nattakan Sukomon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emelie Flood
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jan Rheinberger
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Toby W Allen
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Crina M Nimigean
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Lorenzo-Ceballos Y, Carrasquel-Ursulaez W, Castillo K, Alvarez O, Latorre R. Calcium-driven regulation of voltage-sensing domains in BK channels. eLife 2019; 8:44934. [PMID: 31509109 PMCID: PMC6763263 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric interactions between the voltage-sensing domain (VSD), the Ca2+-binding sites, and the pore domain govern the mammalian Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channel opening. However, the functional relevance of the crosstalk between the Ca2+- and voltage-sensing mechanisms on BK channel gating is still debated. We examined the energetic interaction between Ca2+ binding and VSD activation by investigating the effects of internal Ca2+ on BK channel gating currents. Our results indicate that Ca2+ sensor occupancy has a strong impact on VSD activation through a coordinated interaction mechanism in which Ca2+ binding to a single α-subunit affects all VSDs equally. Moreover, the two distinct high-affinity Ca2+-binding sites contained in the C-terminus domains, RCK1 and RCK2, contribute equally to decrease the free energy necessary to activate the VSD. We conclude that voltage-dependent gating and pore opening in BK channels is modulated to a great extent by the interaction between Ca2+ sensors and VSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenisleidy Lorenzo-Ceballos
- Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Willy Carrasquel-Ursulaez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Karen Castillo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Alvarez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramon Latorre
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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16
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Miranda P, Holmgren M, Giraldez T. Voltage-dependent dynamics of the BK channel cytosolic gating ring are coupled to the membrane-embedded voltage sensor. eLife 2018; 7:40664. [PMID: 30526860 PMCID: PMC6301790 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, large conductance voltage- and calcium-dependent potassium (BK) channels are regulated allosterically by transmembrane voltage and intracellular Ca2+. Divalent cation binding sites reside within the gating ring formed by two Regulator of Conductance of Potassium (RCK) domains per subunit. Using patch-clamp fluorometry, we show that Ca2+ binding to the RCK1 domain triggers gating ring rearrangements that depend on transmembrane voltage. Because the gating ring is outside the electric field, this voltage sensitivity must originate from coupling to the voltage-dependent channel opening, the voltage sensor or both. Here we demonstrate that alterations of the voltage sensor, either by mutagenesis or regulation by auxiliary subunits, are paralleled by changes in the voltage dependence of the gating ring movements, whereas modifications of the relative open probability are not. These results strongly suggest that conformational changes of RCK1 domains are specifically coupled to the voltage sensor function during allosteric modulation of BK channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Miranda
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Miguel Holmgren
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Teresa Giraldez
- Departamento de Ciencias Medicas Basicas, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.,Instituto de Tecnologias Biomedicas, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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17
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Almássy J, Nánási PP. Brief structural insight into the allosteric gating mechanism of BK (Slo1) channel 1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:498-502. [PMID: 30517027 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The big conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channel, also known as BK, MaxiK, Slo1, or KCa1.1, is a ligand- and voltage-gated K+ channel. Although structure-function studies of the past decades, involving mutagenesis and electrophysiological measurements, revealed fine details of the mechanism of BK channel gating, the exact molecular details remained unknown until the quaternary structure of the protein has been solved at a resolution of 3.5 Å using cryo-electron microscopy. In this short review, we are going to summarize these results and interpret the gating model of the BK channel in the light of the recent structural results.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Almássy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Péter P Nánási
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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18
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Zhang G, Cui J. Patch-Clamp and Perfusion Techniques to Study Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus Oocytes. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2018; 2018:pdb.prot099051. [PMID: 29382809 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot099051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Xenopus oocyte expression system is ideal for electrophysiological characterization of voltage-dependent and ligand-dependent ion channels because of its relatively low background of endogenous channels and the large size of the cell. Here, we present a protocol to study voltage- and ligand-dependent activation of ion channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes using patch-clamp techniques designed to control both the membrane voltage and the intracellular solution. In this protocol, the large conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel is studied as an example. After injection of BK channel mRNA, oocytes are incubated for 2-7 d at 18°C. Inside-out membrane patches containing single or multiple BK channels are excised with perfusion of different solutions during recording. The protocol can be used to study structure-function relations for ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Disorders, Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130
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19
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Zhou Y, Yang H, Cui J, Lingle CJ. Threading the biophysics of mammalian Slo1 channels onto structures of an invertebrate Slo1 channel. J Gen Physiol 2017; 149:985-1007. [PMID: 29025867 PMCID: PMC5677106 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Zhou et al. consider the biophysics of large-conductance Ca2+-activated Slo1 channels in the context of Aplysia Slo1 structures. For those interested in the machinery of ion channel gating, the Ca2+ and voltage-activated BK K+ channel provides a compelling topic for investigation, by virtue of its dual allosteric regulation by both voltage and intracellular Ca2+ and because its large-single channel conductance facilitates detailed kinetic analysis. Over the years, biophysical analyses have illuminated details of the allosteric regulation of BK channels and revealed insights into the mechanism of BK gating, e.g., inner cavity size and accessibility and voltage sensor-pore coupling. Now the publication of two structures of an Aplysia californica BK channel—one liganded and one metal free—promises to reinvigorate functional studies and interpretation of biophysical results. The new structures confirm some of the previous functional inferences but also suggest new perspectives regarding cooperativity between Ca2+-binding sites and the relationship between voltage- and Ca2+-dependent gating. Here we consider the extent to which the two structures explain previous functional data on pore-domain properties, voltage-sensor motions, and divalent cation binding and activation of the channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
| | - Huanghe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Christopher J Lingle
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
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20
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Wang G. Mechanistic insight into the heme-independent interplay between iron and carbon monoxide in CFTR and Slo1 BK Ca channels. Metallomics 2017; 9:634-645. [PMID: 28474046 DOI: 10.1039/c7mt00065k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels have been extensively reported as effectors of carbon monoxide (CO). However, the mechanisms of heme-independent CO action are still not known. Because most ion channels are heterologously expressed on human embryonic kidney cells that are cultured in Fe3+-containing media, CO may act as a small and strong iron chelator to disrupt a putative iron bridge in ion channels and thus to tune their activity. In this review CFTR and Slo1 BKCa channels are employed to discuss the possible heme-independent interplay between iron and CO. Our recent studies demonstrated a high-affinity Fe3+ site at the interface between the regulatory domain and intracellular loop 3 of CFTR. Because the binding of Fe3+ to CFTR prevents channel opening, the stimulatory effect of CO on the Cl- and HCO3- currents across the apical membrane of rat distal colon may be due to the release of inhibitive Fe3+ by CO. In contrast, CO repeatedly stimulates the human Slo1 BKCa channel opening, possibly by binding to an unknown iron site, because cyanide prohibits this heme-independent CO stimulation. Here, in silico research on recent structural data of the slo1 BKCa channels indicates two putative binuclear Fe2+-binding motifs in the gating ring in which CO may compete with protein residues to bind to either Fe2+ bowl to disrupt the Fe2+ bridge but not to release Fe2+ from the channel. Thus, these two new regulation models of CO, with iron releasing from and retaining in the ion channel, may have significant and extensive implications for other metalloproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Wang
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA. and Institute of Biophysical Medico-chemistry, Reno, NV, USA
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21
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Sedwick C. Gating ring strengthens marriage of BK channel voltage sensing to pore opening. J Gen Physiol 2017; 149:295. [PMID: 28202492 PMCID: PMC5339516 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A new JGP study shows that the gating ring helps the voltage-sensing domain open the BK channel's pore.
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