1
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Hager NA, McAtee CK, Lesko MA, O’Donnell AF. Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Kir2.1 and its "Kir-ious" Regulation by Protein Trafficking and Roles in Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:796136. [PMID: 35223865 PMCID: PMC8864065 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.796136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K+) homeostasis is tightly regulated for optimal cell and organismal health. Failure to control potassium balance results in disease, including cardiac arrythmias and developmental disorders. A family of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels helps cells maintain K+ levels. Encoded by KCNJ genes, Kir channels are comprised of a tetramer of Kir subunits, each of which contains two-transmembrane domains. The assembled Kir channel generates an ion selectivity filter for K+ at the monomer interface, which allows for K+ transit. Kir channels are found in many cell types and influence K+ homeostasis across the organism, impacting muscle, nerve and immune function. Kir2.1 is one of the best studied family members with well-defined roles in regulating heart rhythm, muscle contraction and bone development. Due to their expansive roles, it is not surprising that Kir mutations lead to disease, including cardiomyopathies, and neurological and metabolic disorders. Kir malfunction is linked to developmental defects, including underdeveloped skeletal systems and cerebellar abnormalities. Mutations in Kir2.1 cause the periodic paralysis, cardiac arrythmia, and developmental deficits associated with Andersen-Tawil Syndrome. Here we review the roles of Kir family member Kir2.1 in maintaining K+ balance with a specific focus on our understanding of Kir2.1 channel trafficking and emerging roles in development and disease. We provide a synopsis of the vital work focused on understanding the trafficking of Kir2.1 and its role in development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Allyson F. O’Donnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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2
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Reilly L, Eckhardt LL. Cardiac potassium inward rectifier Kir2: Review of structure, regulation, pharmacology, and arrhythmogenesis. Heart Rhythm 2021; 18:1423-1434. [PMID: 33857643 PMCID: PMC8328935 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Potassium inward rectifier channel Kir2 is an important component of terminal cardiac repolarization and resting membrane stability. This functionality is part of balanced cardiac excitability and is a defining feature of excitable cardiac membranes. “Gain-of-function” or “loss-of-function” mutations in KCNJ2, the gene encoding Kir2.1, cause genetic sudden cardiac death syndromes, and loss of the Kir2 current IK1 is a major contributing factor to arrhythmogenesis in failing human hearts. Here we provide a contemporary review of the functional structure, physiology, and pharmacology of Kir2 channels. Beyond the structure and functional relationships, we will focus on the elements of clinically used drugs that block the channel and the implications for treatment of atrial fibrillation with IK1-blocking agents. We will also review the clinical disease entities associated with KCNJ2 mutations and the growing area of research into associated arrhythmia mechanisms. Lastly, the presence of Kir2 channels has become a tipping point for electrical maturity in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) and highlights the significance of understanding why Kir2 in iPS-CMs is important to consider for Comprehensive In Vitro Proarrhythmia Assay and drug safety testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Reilly
- Cellular and Molecular Arrhythmia Research Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lee L Eckhardt
- Cellular and Molecular Arrhythmia Research Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
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3
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Weaver CD, Denton JS. Next-generation inward rectifier potassium channel modulators: discovery and molecular pharmacology. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C1125-C1140. [PMID: 33826405 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00548.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inward rectifying potassium (Kir) channels play important roles in both excitable and nonexcitable cells of various organ systems and could represent valuable new drug targets for cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neurological diseases. In nonexcitable epithelial cells of the kidney tubule, for example, Kir1.1 (KCNJ1) and Kir4.1 (KCNJ10) are linked to sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and distal convoluted tubule, respectively, and have been explored as novel-mechanism diuretic targets for managing hypertension and edema. G protein-coupled Kir channels (Kir3) channels expressed in the central nervous system are critical effectors of numerous signal transduction pathways underlying analgesia, addiction, and respiratory-depressive effects of opioids. The historical dearth of pharmacological tool compounds for exploring the therapeutic potential of Kir channels has led to a molecular target-based approach using high-throughput screen (HTS) of small-molecule libraries and medicinal chemistry to develop "next-generation" Kir channel modulators that are both potent and specific for their targets. In this article, we review recent efforts focused specifically on discovery and improvement of target-selective molecular probes. The reader is introduced to fluorescence-based thallium flux assays that have enabled much of this work and then provided with an overview of progress made toward developing modulators of Kir1.1 (VU590, VU591), Kir2.x (ML133), Kir3.X (ML297, GAT1508, GiGA1, VU059331), Kir4.1 (VU0134992), and Kir7.1 (ML418). We discuss what is known about the small molecules' molecular mechanisms of action, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, and then close with our view of what critical work remains to be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- C David Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jerod S Denton
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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4
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Kim J, Moon SH, Kim T, Ko J, Jeon YK, Shin YC, Jeon JH, So I. Analysis of interaction between intracellular spermine and transient receptor potential canonical 4 channel: multiple candidate sites of negatively charged amino acids for the inward rectification of transient receptor potential canonical 4. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 24:101-110. [PMID: 31908579 PMCID: PMC6940491 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2020.24.1.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential canonical 4 (TRPC4) channel is a nonselective calcium-permeable cation channels. In intestinal smooth muscle cells, TRPC4 currents contribute more than 80% to muscarinic cationic current (mIcat). With its inward-rectifying current-voltage relationship and high calcium permeability, TRPC4 channels permit calcium influx once the channel is opened by muscarinic receptor stimulation. Polyamines are known to inhibit nonselective cation channels that mediate the generation of mIcat. Moreover, it is reported that TRPC4 channels are blocked by the intracellular spermine through electrostatic interaction with glutamate residues (E728, E729). Here, we investigated the correlation between the magnitude of channel inactivation by spermine and the magnitude of channel conductance. We also found additional spermine binding sites in TRPC4. We evaluated channel activity with electrophysiological recordings and revalidated structural significance based on Cryo-EM structure, which was resolved recently. We found that there is no correlation between magnitude of inhibitory action of spermine and magnitude of maximum current of the channel. In intracellular region, TRPC4 attracts spermine at channel periphery by reducing access resistance, and acidic residues contribute to blocking action of intracellular spermine; channel periphery, E649; cytosolic space, D629, D649, and E687.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsung Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Sang Hui Moon
- Office of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.,Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Taewook Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Juyeon Ko
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Young Keul Jeon
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Young-Cheul Shin
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ju-Hong Jeon
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Insuk So
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
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5
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Chen X, Bründl M, Friesacher T, Stary-Weinzinger A. Computational Insights Into Voltage Dependence of Polyamine Block in a Strong Inwardly Rectifying K + Channel. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:721. [PMID: 32499707 PMCID: PMC7243266 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying potassium (KIR) channels play important roles in controlling cellular excitability and K+ ion homeostasis. Under physiological conditions, KIR channels allow large K+ influx at potentials negative to the equilibrium potential of K+ but permit little outward current at potentials positive to the equilibrium potential of K+, due to voltage dependent block of outward K+ flux by cytoplasmic polyamines. These polycationic molecules enter the KIR channel pore from the intracellular side. They block K+ ion movement through the channel at depolarized potentials, thereby ensuring, for instance, the long plateau phase of the cardiac action potential. Key questions concerning how deeply these charged molecules migrate into the pore and how the steep voltage dependence arises remain unclear. Recent MD simulations on GIRK2 (=Kir3.2) crystal structures have provided unprecedented details concerning the conduction mechanism of a KIR channel. Here, we use MD simulations with applied field to provide detailed insights into voltage dependent block of putrescine, using the conductive state of the strong inwardly rectifying K+ channel GIRK2 as starting point. Our µs long simulations elucidate details about binding sites of putrescine in the pore and suggest that voltage-dependent rectification arises from a dual mechanism.
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6
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Structure-Function Relationship and Physiological Roles of Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) 4 and 5 Channels. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010073. [PMID: 31892199 PMCID: PMC7017149 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the structure–function relationship of ion channels has been one of the most challenging goals in contemporary physiology. Revelation of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of ion channels has facilitated our understanding of many of the submolecular mechanisms inside ion channels, such as selective permeability, voltage dependency, agonist binding, and inter-subunit multimerization. Identifying the structure–function relationship of the ion channels is clinically important as well since only such knowledge can imbue potential therapeutics with practical possibilities. In a sense, recent advances in the understanding of the structure–relationship of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels look promising since human TRPC channels are calcium-permeable, non-selective cation channels expressed in many tissues such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidney, heart, vasculature, and brain. TRPC channels are known to regulate GI contractility and motility, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, podocyte injury, seizure, fear, anxiety-like behavior, and many others. In this article, we tried to elaborate recent findings of Cryo-EM (cryogenic-electron microscopy) based structural information of TRPC 4 and 5 channels and domain-specific functions of the channel, such as G-protein mediated activation mechanism, extracellular modification of the channel, homo/hetero-tetramerization, and pharmacological gating mechanisms.
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7
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Sigg DM, Chang HK, Shieh RC. Linkage analysis reveals allosteric coupling in Kir2.1 channels. J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:1541-1553. [PMID: 30327330 PMCID: PMC6219689 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels experience strong (blocking) and weak (intrinsic) rectification. Linkage analysis in the form of a conductance Hill plot is a sensitive method of resolving allosteric interactions between the pore and mediators of the Kir gating process. Potassium-selective inward rectifier (Kir) channels are a class of membrane proteins necessary for maintaining stable resting membrane potentials, controlling excitability, and shaping the final repolarization of action potentials in excitable cells. In addition to the strong inward rectification of the ionic current caused by intracellular blockers, Kir2.1 channels possess “weak” inward rectification observed in inside-out patches after prolonged washout of intracellular blockers. The mechanisms underlying strong inward rectification have been attributed to voltage-dependent block by intracellular Mg2+ and polyamines; however, the mechanism responsible for weak rectification remains elusive. Hypotheses include weak voltage-dependent block and intrinsic voltage-dependent gating. Here, we performed a conductance Hill analysis of currents recorded with a double-ramp protocol to evaluate different mechanisms proposed for weak inward rectification of Kir2.1 channels. Linkage analysis in the form of a Hill plot revealed that the ramp currents could be best explained by allosteric coupling between a mildly voltage-dependent pore gate (gating charge ∼0.18 eo) and a voltage sensor (gating charge ∼1.7 eo). The proposed voltage sensor stabilized the closing of the pore gate (coupling factor ∼31). We anticipate that the use of linkage analysis will broaden understanding of functional coupling in ion channels and proteins in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hsueh-Kai Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Chi Shieh
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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8
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Kharade SV, Sheehan JH, Figueroa EE, Meiler J, Denton JS. Pore Polarity and Charge Determine Differential Block of Kir1.1 and Kir7.1 Potassium Channels by Small-Molecule Inhibitor VU590. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 92:338-346. [PMID: 28619748 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.108472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
VU590 was the first publicly disclosed, submicromolar-affinity (IC50 = 0.2 μM), small-molecule inhibitor of the inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channel and diuretic target, Kir1.1. VU590 also inhibits Kir7.1 (IC50 ∼ 8 μM), and has been used to reveal new roles for Kir7.1 in regulation of myometrial contractility and melanocortin signaling. Here, we employed molecular modeling, mutagenesis, and patch clamp electrophysiology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying VU590 inhibition of Kir1.1 and Kir7.1. Block of both channels is voltage- and K+-dependent, suggesting the VU590 binding site is located within the pore. Mutagenesis analysis in Kir1.1 revealed that asparagine 171 (N171) is the only pore-lining residue required for high-affinity block, and that substituting negatively charged residues (N171D, N171E) at this position dramatically weakens block. In contrast, substituting a negatively charged residue at the equivalent position in Kir7.1 enhances block by VU590, suggesting the VU590 binding mode is different. Interestingly, mutations of threonine 153 (T153) in Kir7.1 that reduce constrained polarity at this site (T153C, T153V, T153S) make wild-type and binding-site mutants (E149Q, A150S) more sensitive to block by VU590. The Kir7.1-T153C mutation enhances block by the structurally unrelated inhibitor VU714 but not by a higher-affinity analog ML418, suggesting that the polar side chain of T153 creates a barrier to low-affinity ligands that interact with E149 and A150. Reverse mutations in Kir1.1 suggest that this mechanism is conserved in other Kir channels. This study reveals a previously unappreciated role of membrane pore polarity in determination of Kir channel inhibitor pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujay V Kharade
- Department of Anesthesiology (S.V.K., E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Pharmacology (E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Biochemistry (J.H.S., J.M.), Center for Structural Biology (J.H.S., J.M.), Department of Chemistry (J.M.), Institute of Chemical Biology (J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan H Sheehan
- Department of Anesthesiology (S.V.K., E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Pharmacology (E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Biochemistry (J.H.S., J.M.), Center for Structural Biology (J.H.S., J.M.), Department of Chemistry (J.M.), Institute of Chemical Biology (J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eric E Figueroa
- Department of Anesthesiology (S.V.K., E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Pharmacology (E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Biochemistry (J.H.S., J.M.), Center for Structural Biology (J.H.S., J.M.), Department of Chemistry (J.M.), Institute of Chemical Biology (J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Anesthesiology (S.V.K., E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Pharmacology (E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Biochemistry (J.H.S., J.M.), Center for Structural Biology (J.H.S., J.M.), Department of Chemistry (J.M.), Institute of Chemical Biology (J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jerod S Denton
- Department of Anesthesiology (S.V.K., E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Pharmacology (E.E.F., J.S.D.), Department of Biochemistry (J.H.S., J.M.), Center for Structural Biology (J.H.S., J.M.), Department of Chemistry (J.M.), Institute of Chemical Biology (J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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9
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Ren S, Pang C, Li J, Huang Y, Zhang S, Zhan Y, An H. Styrax blocks inward and outward current of Kir2.1 channel. Channels (Austin) 2017; 11:46-54. [PMID: 27540685 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2016.1207022] [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: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Kir2.1 plays key roles in setting rest membrane potential and modulation of cell excitability. Mutations of Kir2.1, such as D172N or E299V, inducing gain-of-function, can cause type3 short QT syndrome (SQT3) due to the enlarged outward currents. So far, there is no clinical drug target to block the currents of Kir2.1. Here, we identified a novel blocker of Kir2.1, styrax, which is a kind of natural compound selected from traditional Chinese medicine. Our data show that styrax can abolish the inward and outward currents of Kir2.1. The IC50 of styrax for WT, D172N and E299V are 0.0113 ± 0.00075, 0.0204 ± 0.0048 and 0.0122 ± 0.0012 (in volume), respectively. The results indicate that styrax can serve as a novel blocker for Kir2.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxi Ren
- a Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Hebei Province, Institute of Biophysics, School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin , China
| | - Chunli Pang
- a Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Hebei Province, Institute of Biophysics, School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin , China
| | - Junwei Li
- a Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Hebei Province, Institute of Biophysics, School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin , China
| | - Yayue Huang
- a Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Hebei Province, Institute of Biophysics, School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin , China
| | - Suhua Zhang
- a Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Hebei Province, Institute of Biophysics, School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin , China
| | - Yong Zhan
- a Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Hebei Province, Institute of Biophysics, School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin , China
| | - Hailong An
- a Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Hebei Province, Institute of Biophysics, School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology , Tianjin , China
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10
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Freedman JE, Lin YJ. REVIEW ■ : ATP-sensitive Potassium Channels: Diverse Functions in the Central Nervous System. Neuroscientist 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107385849600200309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
ATP-sensitive potassium channels open when cytoplasmic levels of ATP drop, thus linking membrane potential to the metabolic state of the cell. Cloning studies have suggested that these channels are related structurally to the inward rectifier family of potassium channels, with two putative membrane-spanning regions. Sulfonylurea drugs, which are used in the treatment of diabetes, inhibit these channels by binding to an associated membrane protein. Other drugs, including some vasodilators, activate ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Diverse neurotransmitter and hormone receptors can modulate these channels, in some cases through interactions with guanyl nucleotide binding proteins. There appear to be multiple subtypes of these channels, differing in electrical properties as well as in drug sensitivities. In the brain, these channels appear to play a role in mediating satiety after feeding. They also function in neurons to protect against excitotoxicity, by counteracting the membrane depolarization associated with metabolic stress. Brain dopamine receptors appear to modulate a novel subtype of ATP-sensitive potassium channel. The association of dopamine receptors with a mechanism involved in protection against neurodegeneration may have implications for the causes of diseases in which dopaminergic regions of brain undergo structural changes, possibly including schizophrenia. NEUROSCIENTIST 2:145-152, 1996
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E. Freedman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yong-Jian Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
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11
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Chang HK, Iwamoto M, Oiki S, Shieh RC. Mechanism for attenuated outward conductance induced by mutations in the cytoplasmic pore of Kir2.1 channels. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18404. [PMID: 26678093 PMCID: PMC4683409 DOI: 10.1038/srep18404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Outward currents through Kir2.1 channels regulate the electrical properties of excitable cells. These currents are subject to voltage-dependent attenuation by the binding of polyamines to high- and low-affinity sites, which leads to inward rectification, thereby controlling cell excitability. To examine the effects of positive charges at the low-affinity site in the cytoplasmic pore on inward rectification, we studied a mutant Kir channel (E224K/H226E) and measured single-channel currents and streaming potentials (Vstream), the latter provide the ratio of water to ions queued in a single-file permeation process in the selectivity filter. The water-ion coupling ratio was near one at a high K+ concentration ([K+]) for the wild-type channel and increased substantially as [K+] decreased. On the other hand, fewer ions occupied the selectivity filter in the mutant at all [K+]. A model for the Kir channel involving a K+ binding site in the wide pore was introduced. Model analyses revealed that the rate constants associated with the binding and release to and from the wide-pore K+ binding site was modified in the mutant. These effects lead to the reduced contribution of a conventional two-ion permeation mode to total conductance, especially at positive potentials, thereby inward rectification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Kai Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Masayuki Iwamoto
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Fukui Faculty of Medical Sciences, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Oiki
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Fukui Faculty of Medical Sciences, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Ru-Chi Shieh
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
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12
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Okada M, Corzo G, Romero-Perez GA, Coronas F, Matsuda H, Possani LD. A pore forming peptide from spider Lachesana sp. venom induced neuronal depolarization and pain. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:657-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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13
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Baronas VA, Kurata HT. Inward rectifiers and their regulation by endogenous polyamines. Front Physiol 2014; 5:325. [PMID: 25221519 PMCID: PMC4145359 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels contribute to maintenance of the resting membrane potential and regulation of electrical excitation in many cell types. Strongly rectifying Kir channels exhibit a very steep voltage dependence resulting in silencing of their activity at depolarized membrane voltages. The mechanism underlying this steep voltage dependence is blockade by endogenous polyamines. These small multifunctional, polyvalent metabolites enter the long Kir channel pore from the intracellular side, displacing multiple occupant ions as they migrate to a stable binding site in the transmembrane region of the channel. Numerous structure-function studies have revealed structural elements of Kir channels that determine their susceptibility to polyamine block, and enable the steep voltage dependence of this process. In addition, various channelopathies have been described that result from alteration of the polyamine sensitivity or activity of strongly rectifying channels. The primary focus of this article is to summarize current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of polyamine block, and provide some perspective on lingering uncertainties related to this physiologically important mechanism of ion channel blockade. We also briefly review some of the important and well understood physiological roles of polyamine sensitive, strongly rectifying Kir channels, primarily of the Kir2 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Baronas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Harley T Kurata
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Hilder TA, Corry B, Chung SH. Multi-ion versus single-ion conduction mechanisms can yield current rectification in biological ion channels. J Biol Phys 2014; 40:109-19. [PMID: 24463792 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-013-9338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There is clear evidence that the net magnitude of negative charge at the intracellular end of inwardly rectifying potassium channels helps to generate an asymmetry in the magnitude of the current that will pass in each direction. However, a complete understanding of the physical mechanism that links these charges to current rectification has yet to be obtained. Using Brownian dynamics, we compare the conduction mechanism and binding sites in rectifying and non-rectifying channel models. We find that in our models, rectification is a consequence of asymmetry in the hydrophobicity and charge of the pore lining. As a consequence, inward conduction can occur by a multi-ion conduction mechanism. However, outward conduction is restricted, since there are fewer ions at the intracellular entrance and outwardly moving ions must cross the pore on their own. We pose the question as to whether the same mechanism could be at play in inwardly rectifying potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsyn A Hilder
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia,
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15
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González C, Baez-Nieto D, Valencia I, Oyarzún I, Rojas P, Naranjo D, Latorre R. K(+) channels: function-structural overview. Compr Physiol 2013; 2:2087-149. [PMID: 23723034 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c110047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels are particularly important in determining the shape and duration of the action potential, controlling the membrane potential, modulating hormone secretion, epithelial function and, in the case of those K(+) channels activated by Ca(2+), damping excitatory signals. The multiplicity of roles played by K(+) channels is only possible to their mammoth diversity that includes at present 70 K(+) channels encoding genes in mammals. Today, thanks to the use of cloning, mutagenesis, and the more recent structural studies using x-ray crystallography, we are in a unique position to understand the origins of the enormous diversity of this superfamily of ion channels, the roles they play in different cell types, and the relations that exist between structure and function. With the exception of two-pore K(+) channels that are dimers, voltage-dependent K(+) channels are tetrameric assemblies and share an extremely well conserved pore region, in which the ion-selectivity filter resides. In the present overview, we discuss in the function, localization, and the relations between function and structure of the five different subfamilies of K(+) channels: (a) inward rectifiers, Kir; (b) four transmembrane segments-2 pores, K2P; (c) voltage-gated, Kv; (d) the Slo family; and (e) Ca(2+)-activated SK family, SKCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos González
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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16
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Hilder TA, Chung SH. Conduction and block of inward rectifier K+ channels: predicted structure of a potent blocker of Kir2.1. Biochemistry 2013; 52:967-74. [PMID: 23320951 DOI: 10.1021/bi301498x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of Kir2.1, thought to be the major component of inward currents, I(K1), in the heart, has been linked to various channelopathies, such as short Q-T syndrome. Unfortunately, currently no known blockers of Kir2.x channels exist. In contrast, Kir1.1b, predominantly expressed in the kidney, is potently blocked by an oxidation-resistant mutant of the honey bee toxin tertiapin (tertiapin-Q). Using various computational tools, we show that both channels are closed by a hydrophobic gating mechanism and inward rectification occurs in the absence of divalent cations and polyamines. We then demonstrate that tertiapin-Q binds to the external vestibule of Kir1.1b and Kir2.1 with K(d) values of 11.6 nM and 131 μM, respectively. We find that a single mutation of tertiapin-Q increases the binding affinity for Kir2.1 by 5 orders of magnitude (K(d) = 0.7 nM). This potent blocker of Kir2.1 may serve as a structural template from which potent compounds for the treatment of various diseases mediated by this channel subfamily, such as cardiac arrhythmia, can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsyn A Hilder
- Computational Biophysics Group, Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
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17
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Chubanov V, Mederos y Schnitzler M, Meißner M, Schäfer S, Abstiens K, Hofmann T, Gudermann T. Natural and synthetic modulators of SK (K(ca)2) potassium channels inhibit magnesium-dependent activity of the kinase-coupled cation channel TRPM7. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:1357-76. [PMID: 22242975 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01855.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) is a bifunctional protein comprising a TRP ion channel segment linked to an α-type protein kinase domain. TRPM7 is essential for proliferation and cell growth. Up-regulation of TRPM7 function is involved in anoxic neuronal death, cardiac fibrosis and tumour cell proliferation. The goal of this work was to identify non-toxic inhibitors of the TRPM7 channel and to assess the effect of blocking endogenous TRPM7 currents on the phenotype of living cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We developed an aequorin bioluminescence-based assay of TRPM7 channel activity and performed a hypothesis-driven screen for inhibitors of the channel. The candidates identified were further assessed electrophysiologically and in cell biological experiments. KEY RESULTS TRPM7 currents were inhibited by modulators of small conductance Ca²⁺ -activated K⁺ channels (K(Ca)2.1-2.3; SK) channels, including the antimalarial plant alkaloid quinine, CyPPA, dequalinium, NS8593, SKA31 and UCL 1684. The most potent compound NS8593 (IC₅₀ 1.6 µM) specifically targeted TRPM7 as compared with other TRP channels, interfered with Mg²⁺ -dependent regulation of TRPM7 channel and inhibited the motility of cultured cells. NS8593 exhibited full and reversible block of native TRPM7-like currents in HEK 293 cells, freshly isolated smooth muscle cells, primary podocytes and ventricular myocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study reveals a tight overlap in the pharmacological profiles of TRPM7 and K(Ca)2.1-2.3 channels. NS8593 acts as a negative gating modulator of TRPM7 and is well-suited to study functional features and cellular roles of endogenous TRPM7.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Chubanov
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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18
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Liu TA, Chang HK, Shieh RC. Revisiting inward rectification: K ions permeate through Kir2.1 channels during high-affinity block by spermidine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 139:245-59. [PMID: 22371365 PMCID: PMC3290795 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201110736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Outward currents through Kir2.1 channels play crucial roles in controlling the electrical properties of excitable cells, and such currents are subjected to voltage-dependent block by intracellular Mg2+ and polyamines that bind to both high- and low-affinity sites on the channels. Under physiological conditions, high-affinity block is saturated and yet outward Kir2.1 currents can still occur, implying that high-affinity polyamine block cannot completely eliminate outward Kir2.1 currents. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that high-affinity spermidine block, rather than completely occluding the single-channel pore, induces a subconducting state in which conductance is 20% that of the fully open channel. In a D172N mutant lacking the high-affinity polyamine-binding site, spermidine does not induce such a substate. However, the kinetics for the transitions between the substate and zero-current state in wild-type channels is the same as that of low-affinity block in the D172N mutant, supporting the notion that these are identical molecular events. Thus, the residual outward current after high-affinity spermidine block is susceptible to low-affinity block, which determines the final amplitude of the outward current. This study provides a detailed insight into the mechanism underlying the emergence of outward Kir2.1 currents regulated by inward rectification attributed to high- and low-affinity polyamine blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-An Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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19
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Bavro VN, De Zorzi R, Schmidt MR, Muniz JRC, Zubcevic L, Sansom MSP, Vénien-Bryan C, Tucker SJ. Structure of a KirBac potassium channel with an open bundle crossing indicates a mechanism of channel gating. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2012; 19:158-63. [PMID: 22231399 PMCID: PMC3272479 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
KirBac channels are prokaryotic homologs of mammalian inwardly rectifying (Kir) potassium channels, and recent crystal structures of both Kir and KirBac channels have provided major insight into their unique structural architecture. However, all of the available structures are closed at the helix bundle crossing, and therefore the structural mechanisms that control opening of their primary activation gate remain unknown. In this study, we engineered the inner pore-lining helix (TM2) of KirBac3.1 to trap the bundle crossing in an apparently open conformation and determined the crystal structure of this mutant channel to 3.05 Å resolution. Contrary to previous speculation, this new structure suggests a mechanistic model in which rotational 'twist' of the cytoplasmic domain is coupled to opening of the bundle-crossing gate through a network of inter- and intrasubunit interactions that involve the TM2 C-linker, slide helix, G-loop and the CD loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliy N Bavro
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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20
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21
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Hibino H, Inanobe A, Furutani K, Murakami S, Findlay I, Kurachi Y. Inwardly rectifying potassium channels: their structure, function, and physiological roles. Physiol Rev 2010; 90:291-366. [PMID: 20086079 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1081] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels allow K(+) to move more easily into rather than out of the cell. They have diverse physiological functions depending on their type and their location. There are seven Kir channel subfamilies that can be classified into four functional groups: classical Kir channels (Kir2.x) are constitutively active, G protein-gated Kir channels (Kir3.x) are regulated by G protein-coupled receptors, ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (Kir6.x) are tightly linked to cellular metabolism, and K(+) transport channels (Kir1.x, Kir4.x, Kir5.x, and Kir7.x). Inward rectification results from pore block by intracellular substances such as Mg(2+) and polyamines. Kir channel activity can be modulated by ions, phospholipids, and binding proteins. The basic building block of a Kir channel is made up of two transmembrane helices with cytoplasmic NH(2) and COOH termini and an extracellular loop which folds back to form the pore-lining ion selectivity filter. In vivo, functional Kir channels are composed of four such subunits which are either homo- or heterotetramers. Gene targeting and genetic analysis have linked Kir channel dysfunction to diverse pathologies. The crystal structure of different Kir channels is opening the way to understanding the structure-function relationships of this simple but diverse ion channel family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Hibino
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and The Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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22
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Tao X, Avalos JL, Chen J, MacKinnon R. Crystal structure of the eukaryotic strong inward-rectifier K+ channel Kir2.2 at 3.1 A resolution. Science 2010; 326:1668-74. [PMID: 20019282 DOI: 10.1126/science.1180310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Inward-rectifier potassium (K+) channels conduct K+ ions most efficiently in one direction, into the cell. Kir2 channels control the resting membrane voltage in many electrically excitable cells, and heritable mutations cause periodic paralysis and cardiac arrhythmia. We present the crystal structure of Kir2.2 from chicken, which, excluding the unstructured amino and carboxyl termini, is 90% identical to human Kir2.2. Crystals containing rubidium (Rb+), strontium (Sr2+), and europium (Eu3+) reveal binding sites along the ion conduction pathway that are both conductive and inhibitory. The sites correlate with extensive electrophysiological data and provide a structural basis for understanding rectification. The channel's extracellular surface, with large structured turrets and an unusual selectivity filter entryway, might explain the relative insensitivity of eukaryotic inward rectifiers to toxins. These same surface features also suggest a possible approach to the development of inhibitory agents specific to each member of the inward-rectifier K+ channel family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Tao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Biophysics, Rockefeller University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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23
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Xu Y, Shin HG, Szép S, Lu Z. Physical determinants of strong voltage sensitivity of K(+) channel block. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2009; 16:1252-8. [PMID: 19915587 PMCID: PMC3009588 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Strong voltage sensitivity of inward-rectifier K+ (Kir) channels has been hypothesized to arise primarily from an intracellular blocker displacing up to five K+ ions from the wide, intracellular part of the ion conduction pore outwardly across the narrow ion selectivity filter. The validity of this hypothesis depends on two assumptions: i) that five ion sites are located intracellular to the filter, and ii) that the blocker can force essentially unidirectional K+ movement in a pore region generally wider than the combined dimensions of the blocker plus a K+ ion. Here, we present a crystal structure of the cytoplasmic portion of a Kir channel with five ions bound, and demonstrate that a constriction near the intracellular end of the pore, acting as a gasket, prevents K+ ions from bypassing the blocker. This heretofore unrecognized “gasket” ensures that the blocker can effectively displace K+ ions across the selectivity filter to generate exceedingly strong voltage sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Xu
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Anumonwo JMB, Lopatin AN. Cardiac strong inward rectifier potassium channels. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2009; 48:45-54. [PMID: 19703462 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2009.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Revised: 08/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac I(K1) and I(KACh) are the major potassium currents displaying classical strong inward rectification, a unique property that is critical for their roles in cardiac excitability. In the last 15 years, research on I(K1) and I(KACh) has been propelled by the cloning of the underlying inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels, the discovery of the molecular mechanism of strong rectification and the linking of a number of disorders of cardiac excitability to defects in genes encoding Kir channels. Disease-causing mutations in Kir genes have been shown experimentally to affect one or more of the following channel properties: structure, assembly, trafficking, and regulation, with the ultimate effect of a gain- or a loss-of-function of the channel. It is now established that I(K1) and I(KACh) channels are heterotetramers of Kir2 and Kir3 subunits, respectively. Each homomeric Kir channel has distinct biophysical and regulatory properties, and individual Kir subunits often display different patterns of regional, cellular, and membrane distribution. These differences are thought to underlie important variations in the physiological properties of I(K1) and I(KACh). It has become increasingly clear that the contribution of I(K1) and I(KACh) channels to cardiac electrical activity goes beyond their long recognized role in the stabilization of resting membrane potential and shaping the late phase of action potential repolarization in individual myocytes but extends to being critical elements determining the overall electrical stability of the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M B Anumonwo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5622, USA
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25
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Osawa M, Yokogawa M, Muramatsu T, Kimura T, Mase Y, Shimada I. Evidence for the direct interaction of spermine with the inwardly rectifying potassium channel. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:26117-26. [PMID: 19620244 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.029355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir) regulates resting membrane potential, K+ homeostasis, heart rate, and hormone secretion. The outward current is blocked in a voltage-dependent manner, upon the binding of intracellular polyamines or Mg2+ to the transmembrane pore domain. Meanwhile, electrophysiological studies have shown that mutations of several acidic residues in the intracellular regions affected the inward rectification. Although these acidic residues are assumed to bind polyamines, the functional role of the binding of polyamines and Mg2+ to the intracellular regions of Kirs remains unclear. Here, we report thermodynamic and structural studies of the interaction between polyamines and the cytoplasmic pore of mouse Kir3.1/GIRK1, which is gated by binding of G-protein betagamma-subunit (Gbetagamma). ITC analyses showed that two spermine molecules bind to a tetramer of Kir3.1/GIRK1 with a dissociation constant of 26 microM, which is lower than other blockers. NMR analyses revealed that the spermine binding site is Asp-260 and its surrounding area. Small but significant chemical shift perturbations upon spermine binding were observed in the subunit-subunit interface of the tetramer, suggesting that spermine binding alters the relative orientations of the four subunits. Our ITC and NMR results postulated a spermine binding mode, where one spermine molecule bridges two Asp-260 side chains from adjacent subunits, with rearrangement of the subunit orientations. This suggests the functional roles of spermine binding to the cytoplasmic pore: stabilization of the resting state conformation of the channel, and instant translocation to the transmembrane pore upon activation through the Gbetagamma-induced conformational rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Osawa
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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26
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Cheng WW, Enkvetchakul D, Nichols CG. KirBac1.1: it's an inward rectifying potassium channel. J Gen Physiol 2009; 133:295-305. [PMID: 19204189 PMCID: PMC2654083 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200810125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
KirBac1.1 is a prokaryotic homologue of eukaryotic inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels. The crystal structure of KirBac1.1 and related KirBac3.1 have now been used extensively to generate in silico models of eukaryotic Kir channels, but functional analysis has been limited to (86)Rb(+) flux experiments and bacteria or yeast complementation screens, and no voltage clamp analysis has been available. We have expressed pure full-length His-tagged KirBac1.1 protein in Escherichia coli and obtained voltage clamp recordings of recombinant channel activity in excised membrane patches from giant liposomes. Macroscopic currents of wild-type KirBac1.1 are K(+) selective and spermine insensitive, but blocked by Ba(2+), similar to "weakly rectifying" eukaryotic Kir1.1 and Kir6.2 channels. The introduction of a negative charge at a pore-lining residue, I138D, generates high spermine sensitivity, similar to that resulting from the introduction of a negative charge at the equivalent position in Kir1.1 or Kir6.2. KirBac1.1 currents are also inhibited by PIP(2), consistent with (86)Rb(+) flux experiments, and reversibly inhibited by short-chain di-c8-PIP(2). At the single-channel level, KirBac1.1 channels show numerous conductance states with two predominant conductances (15 pS and 32 pS at -100 mV) and marked variability in gating kinetics, similar to the behavior of KcsA in recombinant liposomes. The successful patch clamping of KirBac1.1 confirms that this prokaryotic channel behaves as a bona fide Kir channel and opens the way for combined biochemical, structural, and electrophysiological analysis of a tractable model Kir channel, as has been successfully achieved for the archetypal K(+) channel KcsA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayland W.L. Cheng
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Decha Enkvetchakul
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104
| | - Colin G. Nichols
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
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27
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Lee YM, Thompson GA, Ashmole I, Leyland M, So I, Stanfield PR. Multiple residues in the p-region and m2 of murine kir 2.1 regulate blockage by external ba. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2009; 13:61-70. [PMID: 19885028 PMCID: PMC2766715 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2009.13.1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We have examined the effects of certain mutations of the selectivity filter and of the membrane helix M2 on Ba(2+) blockage of the inward rectifier potassium channel, Kir 2.1. We expressed mutant and wild type murine Kir 2.1 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and used the whole cell patch-clamp technique to record K(+) currents in the absence and presence of externally applied Ba(2+). Wild type Kir2.1 was blocked by externally applied Ba(2+) in a voltage and concentration dependent manner. Mutants of Y145 in the selectivity filter showed little change in the kinetics of Ba(2+) blockage. The estimated K(d)(0) was 108 microM for Kir2.1 wild type, 124 microM for a concatameric WT-Y145V dimer, 109 microM for a WT-Y145L dimer, and 267 microM for Y145F. Mutant channels T141A and S165L exhibit a reduced affinity together with a large reduction in the rate of blockage. In S165L, blockage proceeds with a double exponential time course, suggestive of more than one blocking site. The double mutation T141A/S165L dramatically reduced affinity for Ba(2+), also showing two components with very different time courses. Mutants D172K and D172R (lining the central, aqueous cavity of the channel) showed both a decreased affinity to Ba(2+) and a decrease in the on transition rate constant (k(on)). These results imply that residues stabilising the cytoplasmic end of the selectivity filter (T141, S165) and in the central cavity (D172) are major determinants of high affinity Ba(2+) blockage in Kir 2.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Mee Lee
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Gareth A. Thompson
- Department of Cell Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Leicester, PO Box 138, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Ian Ashmole
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL; Ion Channel Group, UK
| | - Mark Leyland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of L:eicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Insuk So
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Peter R. Stanfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL; Ion Channel Group, UK
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28
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Wang S, Alimi Y, Tong A, Nichols CG, Enkvetchakul D. Differential roles of blocking ions in KirBac1.1 tetramer stability. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:2854-2860. [PMID: 19033439 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m807474200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are tetrameric proteins that mediate K(+)-selective transmembrane diffusion. For KcsA, tetramer stability depends on interactions between permeant ions and the channel pore. We have examined the role of pore blockers on the tetramer stability of KirBac1.1. In 150 mm KCl, purified KirBac1.1 protein migrates as a monomer (approximately 40 kDa) on SDS-PAGE. Addition of Ba(2+) (K(1/2) approximately 50 microm) prior to loading results in an additional tetramer band (approximately 160 kDa). Mutation A109C, at a residue located near the expected Ba(2+)-binding site, decreased tetramer stabilization by Ba(2+) (K(1/2) approximately 300 microm), whereas I131C, located nearby, stabilized tetramers in the absence of Ba(2+). Neither mutation affected Ba(2+) block of channel activity (using (86)Rb(+) flux assay). In contrast to Ba(2+), Mg(2+) had no effect on tetramer stability (even though Mg(2+) was a potent blocker). Many studies have shown Cd(2+) block of K(+) channels as a result of cysteine substitution of cavity-lining M2 (S6) residues, with the implicit interpretation that coordination of a single ion by cysteine side chains along the central axis effectively blocks the pore. We examined blocking and tetramer-stabilizing effects of Cd(2+) on KirBac1.1 with cysteine substitutions in M2. Cd(2+) block potency followed an alpha-helical pattern consistent with the crystal structure. Significantly, Cd(2+) strongly stabilized tetramers of I138C, located in the center of the inner cavity. This stabilization was additive with the effect of Ba(2+), consistent with both ions simultaneously occupying the channel: Ba(2+) at the selectivity filter entrance and Cd(2+) coordinated by I138C side chains in the inner cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Yewande Alimi
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - Ailing Tong
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Colin G Nichols
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Decha Enkvetchakul
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104.
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29
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Robertson JL, Palmer LG, Roux B. Long-pore electrostatics in inward-rectifier potassium channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 132:613-32. [PMID: 19001143 PMCID: PMC2585864 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200810068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Inward-rectifier potassium (Kir) channels differ from the canonical K+ channel structure in that they possess a long extended pore (∼85 Å) for ion conduction that reaches deeply into the cytoplasm. This unique structural feature is presumably involved in regulating functional properties specific to Kir channels, such as conductance, rectification block, and ligand-dependent gating. To elucidate the underpinnings of these functional roles, we examine the electrostatics of an ion along this extended pore. Homology models are constructed based on the open-state model of KirBac1.1 for four mammalian Kir channels: Kir1.1/ROMK, Kir2.1/IRK, Kir3.1/GIRK, and Kir6.2/KATP. By solving the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, the electrostatic free energy of a K+ ion is determined along each pore, revealing that mammalian Kir channels provide a favorable environment for cations and suggesting the existence of high-density regions in the cytoplasmic domain and cavity. The contribution from the reaction field (the self-energy arising from the dielectric polarization induced by the ion's charge in the complex geometry of the pore) is unfavorable inside the long pore. However, this is well compensated by the electrostatic interaction with the static field arising from the protein charges and shielded by the dielectric surrounding. Decomposition of the static field provides a list of residues that display remarkable correspondence with existing mutagenesis data identifying amino acids that affect conduction and rectification. Many of these residues demonstrate interactions with the ion over long distances, up to 40 Å, suggesting that mutations potentially affect ion or blocker energetics over the entire pore. These results provide a foundation for understanding ion interactions in Kir channels and extend to the study of ion permeation, block, and gating in long, cation-specific pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice L Robertson
- Program in Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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30
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Chang HK, Marton LJ, Liang KK, Shieh RC. K+ binding in the G-loop and water cavity facilitates Ba2+ movement in the Kir2.1 channel. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2008; 1788:500-6. [PMID: 19026608 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2008.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2008] [Revised: 10/12/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
K+ are selectively coordinated in the selectivity filter and concerted K+ and water movements in this region ensure high conduction rates in K+ channels. In channels with long pores many K+ binding sites are located intracellular to the selectivity filter (inner vestibule), but their contribution to permeation has not been well studied. We investigated this phenomenon by slowing the ion permeation process via blocking inwardly rectifying Kir2.1 channels with Ba2+ in the selectivity filter and observing the effect of K+ in the inner vestibule on Ba2+ exit. The dose-response effect of the intracellular K+ concentration ([K+]i) on Ba2+ exit was recorded with and without intracellular polyamines, which compete with K+ for binding sites. Ba2+ exit was facilitated by the cooperative binding of at least three K+. Site-directed mutagenesis studies suggest that K+ interacting with Ba2+ bound in the selectivity filter were located in the region between selectivity filter and cytoplasmic pore, i.e. the water cavity and G-loop. One of the K+ binding sites was located at residue D172 and another was possibly at M301. This study provides functional evidence for the three K+ binding sites in the inner vestibule previously identified by crystal structure study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Kai Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica 128 Yen-Chiu Yuan Road, section 2, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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31
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Ishihara K, Yan DH. Low-affinity spermine block mediating outward currents through Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 inward rectifier potassium channels. J Physiol 2007; 583:891-908. [PMID: 17640933 PMCID: PMC2277198 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.136028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The outward component of the strong inward rectifier K(+) current (I(Kir)) plays a pivotal role in polarizing the membranes of excitable and non-excitable cells and is regulated by voltage-dependent channel block by internal cations. Using the Kir2.1 channel, we previously showed that a small fraction of the conductance susceptible only to a low-affinity mode of block likely carries a large portion of the outward current. To further examine the relevance of the low-affinity block to outward I(Kir) and to explore its molecular mechanism, we studied the block of the Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 channels by spermine, which is the principal Kir2 channel blocker. Current-voltage relations of outward Kir2.2 currents showed a peak, a plateau and two peaks in the presence of 10, 1 and 0.1 microm spermine, respectively, which was explained by the presence of two conductances that differ in their susceptibility to spermine block. When the current-voltage relations showed one peak, like those of native I(Kir), outward Kir2.2 currents were mediated mostly by the conductance susceptible to the low-affinity block. They also flowed in a narrower range than the corresponding Kir2.1 currents, because of 3- to 4-fold greater susceptibility to the low-affinity block than in Kir2.1. Reducing external [K(+)] shifted the voltage dependences of both the high- and low-affinity block of Kir2.1 in parallel with the shift in the reversal potential, confirming the importance of the low-affinity block in mediating outward I(Kir). When Kir2.1 mutants known to have reduced sensitivity to internal blockers were examined, the D172N mutation in the transmembrane pore region made almost all of the conductance susceptible only to low-affinity block, while the E224G mutation in the cytoplasmic pore region reduced the sensitivity to low-affinity block without markedly altering that to the high-affinity block or the high/low conductance ratio. The effects of these mutations support the hypothesis that Kir2 channels exist in two states having different susceptibilities to internal cationic blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Ishihara
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Saga University 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
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32
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Xie LH, John SA, Ribalet B, Weiss JN. Activation of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels by phosphatidylinosital-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2): Interaction with other regulatory ligands. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2007; 94:320-35. [PMID: 16837026 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2006.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
All members of the inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir1-7) are regulated by the membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylinosital-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). Some are also modulated by other regulatory factors or ligands such as ATP and G-proteins, which give them their common names, such as the ATP sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel and the G-protein gated potassium channel. Other more non-specific regulators include polyamines, kinases, pH and Na(+) ions. Recent studies have demonstrated that PIP(2) acts cooperatively with other regulatory factors to modulate Kir channels. Here we review how PIP(2) and co-factors modulate channel activities in each subfamily of the Kir channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Hua Xie
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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33
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Pearson WL, Skatchkov SN, Eaton MJ, Nichols CG. C-Terminal Determinants of Kir4.2 Channel Expression. J Membr Biol 2007; 213:187-93. [PMID: 17468958 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-006-0058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2006] [Revised: 10/18/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels serve important functional and modulatory roles in a wide variety of cells. While the activity of several members of this channel family are tightly regulated by intracellular messengers such as adenosine triphosphate, G proteins, protein kinases and pH, other members are tonically active and activity is controlled only by the expression level of the protein. In a number of Kir channels, sequence motifs have been identified which determine how effectively the channel is trafficked to and from the plasma membrane. In this report, we identify a number of trafficking determinants in the Kir4.2 channel. Using mutational analysis, we found that truncation of the C terminus of the protein increased current density in Xenopus oocytes, although multiple mutations of the C terminus had no effect on current density. Instead, mutation of a unique region of the channel significantly increased current density. Selective mutation of a putative tyrosine phosphorylation site within this region mimicked the increase in current, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein increases channel retrieval from the membrane (or prevents trafficking to the membrane). Mutation of a previously identified trafficking determinant, K110N, also caused an increase in current density, and combining these mutations caused a multiplicative increase in current, suggesting that these two mutations increase current by independent mechanisms. These data demonstrate novel determinants of Kir4.2 channel expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade L Pearson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA.
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34
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Noujaim SF, Pandit SV, Berenfeld O, Vikstrom K, Cerrone M, Mironov S, Zugermayr M, Lopatin AN, Jalife J. Up-regulation of the inward rectifier K+ current (I K1) in the mouse heart accelerates and stabilizes rotors. J Physiol 2006; 578:315-26. [PMID: 17095564 PMCID: PMC2075137 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.121475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested an important role for the inward rectifier K+ current (I K1) in stabilizing rotors responsible for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF). To test this hypothesis, we used a line of transgenic mice (TG) overexpressing Kir 2.1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein in a cardiac-specific manner. Optical mapping of the epicardial surface in ventricles showed that the Langendorff-perfused TG hearts were able to sustain stable VT/VF for 350 +/- 1181 s at a very high dominant frequency (DF) of 44.6 +/- 4.3 Hz. In contrast, tachyarrhythmias in wild-type hearts (WT) were short-lived (3 +/- 9 s), and the DF was 26.3 +/- 5.2 Hz. The stable, high frequency, reentrant activity in TG hearts slowed down, and eventually terminated in the presence of 10 mum Ba2+, suggesting an important role for I K1. Moreover, by increasing I K1 density in a two-dimensional computer model having realistic mouse ionic and action potential properties, a highly stable, fast rotor (approximately 45 Hz) could be induced. Simulations suggested that the TG hearts allowed such a fast and stable rotor because of both greater outward conductance at the core and shortened action potential duration in the core vicinity, as well as increased excitability, in part due to faster recovery of Na+ current. The latter resulted in a larger rate of increase in the local conduction velocity as a function of the distance from the core in TG compared to WT hearts, in both simulations and experiments. Finally, simulations showed that rotor frequencies were more sensitive to changes (doubling) in I K1, compared to other K+ currents. In combination, these results provide the first direct evidence that I K1 up-regulation in the mouse heart is a substrate for stable and very fast rotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami F Noujaim
- Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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35
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Grabe M, Bichet D, Qian X, Jan YN, Jan LY. K+ channel selectivity depends on kinetic as well as thermodynamic factors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:14361-6. [PMID: 16983068 PMCID: PMC1570128 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0606662103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are necessary for a number of essential biological tasks such as the generation of action potentials and setting the resting membrane potential in cells, both of which require that these channels selectively permit the passage of potassium ions while suppressing the flow of other ions. Generally, this selectivity is attributed to a narrow stretch of the channel known as the selectivity filter. Over this stretch ions are dehydrated, and the backbone oxygen atoms of the protein mimic the ion's loss of coordination by water. However, channels are long pores with spatially distinct ion-binding sites that all must be traversed during ion permeation. We have shown that selectivity of mutant Kir3.2 (GIRK2) channels can be substantially amplified by introducing acidic residues into the cavity, a binding site below the selectivity filter. Here, we carry out electrostatic calculations on homology models to quantify the degree of stabilization that these mutations have on ions in the cavity. We then construct a multiion model of ion permeation to calculate the channel's permeability to potassium relative to sodium. This kinetic model uses rates derived from the electrostatic calculations and demonstrates that nonselective electrostatic stabilization of cations in the cavity can amplify channel selectivity independently of the selectivity filter. This nonintuitive result highlights the dependence of channel properties on the entire channel architecture and suggests that selectivity may not be fully understood by focusing solely on thermodynamic considerations of ion dehydration and the energetics of the selectivity filter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Grabe
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Delphine Bichet
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Xiang Qian
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Yuh Nung Jan
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Lily Yeh Jan
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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36
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Bichet D, Grabe M, Jan YN, Jan LY. Electrostatic interactions in the channel cavity as an important determinant of potassium channel selectivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:14355-60. [PMID: 16983069 PMCID: PMC1570129 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0606660103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are membrane proteins that allow the passage of potassium ions at near diffusion rates while severely limiting the flux of the slightly smaller sodium ions. Although studies thus far have focused on the narrowest part of the channel, known as the selectivity filter, channels are long pores with multiple ions that traverse the selectivity filter, the water-filled central cavity, and the rest of the pore formed by cytoplasmic domains. Here, we present experimental analyses on Kir3.2 (GIRK2), a G protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channel, showing that a negative charge introduced at a pore-facing position in the cavity (N184) below the selectivity filter restores both K(+) selectivity and inward rectification properties to the nonselective S177W mutant channel. Molecular modeling demonstrates that the negative residue has no effect on the geometry of the selectivity filter, suggesting that it has a local effect on the cavity ion. Moreover, restoration of selectivity does not depend on the exact location of the charge in the central cavity as long as this residue faces the pore, where it is in close contact with permeant ions. Our results indicate that interactions between permeant ions and the channel cavity can influence ion selectivity and channel block by means of an electrostatic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Bichet
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Michael Grabe
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Yuh Nung Jan
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Lily Yeh Jan
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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37
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Zhang Y, Niu X, Brelidze TI, Magleby KL. Ring of negative charge in BK channels facilitates block by intracellular Mg2+ and polyamines through electrostatics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 128:185-202. [PMID: 16847096 PMCID: PMC2151526 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200609493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular Mg2+ and natural polyamines block outward currents in BK channels in a highly voltage-dependent manner. Here we investigate the contribution of the ring of eight negatively charged residues (4 x E321/E324) at the entrance to the inner vestibule of BK channels to this block. Channels with or without (E321N/E324N) the ring of negative charge were expressed in oocytes and unitary currents were recorded from inside-out patches over a range of intracellular Mg2+ and polyamine concentrations. Removing the ring of charge greatly decreased the block, increasing K(B)(ap) (0 mV) for Mg2+ block from 48.3 +/- 3.0 to 143 +/- 8 mM, and for spermine block from 8.0 +/- 1.0 to 721 +/- 9 mM (150 mM symmetrical KCl). Polyamines with fewer amine groups blocked less: putrescine < spermidine < spermine. An equation that combined an empirical Hill function for block together with a Boltzmann function for the voltage dependence of K(B)(ap) described the voltage and concentration dependence of the block for channels with and without the ring of charge. The Hill coefficients for these descriptions were <1 for both Mg2+ and spermine block, and were unchanged by removing the ring of charge. When KCl(i) was increased from 150 mM to 3 M, the ring of charge no longer facilitated block, Mg2+ block was reduced, spermine block became negligible, and the Hill coefficients became approximately 1.0. BK channels in cell-attached oocyte patches displayed inward rectification, which was reduced for channels without the ring of charge. Taken together, these observations suggest that the ring of negative charge facilitates block through a preferential electrostatic attraction of Mg2+ and polyamine over K+. This preferential attraction of multivalent blockers over monovalent K+ would decrease the K+ available at the inner vestibule to carry outward current in the presence of Mg2+ or polyamines, while increasing the concentration of blocker available to enter and block the conduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxia Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
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38
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Makary SMY, Claydon TW, Dibb KM, Boyett MR. Base of pore loop is important for rectification, activation, permeation, and block of Kir3.1/Kir3.4. Biophys J 2006; 90:4018-34. [PMID: 16513790 PMCID: PMC1459495 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.105.073569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2005] [Accepted: 01/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kir3.1/Kir3.4 channel is an inward rectifier, agonist-activated K(+) channel. The location of the binding site within the channel pore that coordinates polyamines (and is thus responsible for inward rectification) and the location of the gate that opens the channel in response to agonist activation is unclear. In this study, we show, not surprisingly, that mutation of residues at the base of the selectivity filter in the pore loop and second transmembrane domain weakens Cs(+) block and decreases selectivity (as measured by Rb(+) and spermine permeation). However, unexpectedly, the mutations also weaken inward rectification and abolish agonist activation of the channel. In the wild-type channel and 34 mutant channels, there are significant (p < 0.05) correlations among the K(D) for Cs(+) block, Rb(+) and spermine permeation, inward rectification, and agonist activation. The significance of these findings is discussed. One possible conclusion is that the selectivity filter is responsible for inward rectification and agonist activation as well as permeation and block.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Y Makary
- Division of Cardiovascular and Endocrine Sciences, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
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39
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Klassen TL, Buckingham SD, Atherton DM, Dacks JB, Gallin WJ, Spencer AN. Atypical Phenotypes From Flatworm Kv3 Channels. J Neurophysiol 2006; 95:3035-46. [PMID: 16452260 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00858.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Divergence of the Shaker superfamily of voltage-gated (Kv) ion channels early in metazoan evolution created numerous electrical phenotypes that were presumably selected to produce a wide range of excitability characteristics in neurons, myocytes, and other cells. A comparative approach that emphasizes this early radiation provides a comprehensive sampling of sequence space that is necessary to develop generally applicable models of the structure–function relationship in the Kv potassium channel family. We have cloned and characterized two Shaw-type potassium channels from a flatworm ( Notoplana atomata) that is arguably a representative of early diverging bilaterians. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, one of these cloned channels, N.at-Kv3.1, exhibits a noninactivating, outward current with slow opening kinetics that are dependent on both the holding potential and the activating potential. A second Shaw-type channel, N.at-Kv3.2, has very different properties, showing weak inward rectification. These results demonstrate that broad phylogenetic sampling of proteins of a single family will reveal unexpected properties that lead to new interpretations of structure–function relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara L Klassen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1
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40
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Xie LH, John SA, Ribalet B, Weiss JN. Long polyamines act as cofactors in PIP2 activation of inward rectifier potassium (Kir2.1) channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 126:541-9. [PMID: 16316973 PMCID: PMC2266595 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200509380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinosital-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) acts as an essential factor regulating the activity of all Kir channels. In most Kir members, the dependence on PIP2 is modulated by other factors, such as protein kinases (in Kir1), Gβγ (in Kir3), and the sulfonylurea receptor (in Kir6). So far, however, no regulator has been identified in Kir2 channels. Here we show that polyamines, which cause inward rectification by selectively blocking outward current, also regulate the interaction of PIP2 with Kir2.1 channels to maintain channel availability. Using spermine and diamines as polyamine analogs, we demonstrate that both spontaneous and PIP2 antibody–induced rundown of Kir2.1 channels in excised inside-out patches was markedly slowed by long polyamines; in contrast, polyamines with shorter chain length were ineffective. In K188Q mutant channels, which have a low PIP2 affinity, application PIP2 (10 μM) was unable to activate channel activity in the absence of polyamines, but markedly activated channels in the presence of long diamines. Using neomycin as a measure of PIP2 affinity, we found that long polyamines were capable of strengthening either the wild type or K188Q channels' interaction with PIP2. The negatively charged D172 residue inside the transmembrane pore region was critical for the shift of channel–PIP2 binding affinity by long polyamines. Sustained pore block by polyamines was neither sufficient nor necessary for this effect. We conclude that long polyamines serve a dual role as both blockers and coactivators (with PIP2) of Kir2.1 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Hua Xie
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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41
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Fujiwara Y, Kubo Y. Functional roles of charged amino acid residues on the wall of the cytoplasmic pore of Kir2.1. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 127:401-19. [PMID: 16533896 PMCID: PMC2151513 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200509434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
It is known that rectification of currents through the inward rectifier K+ channel (Kir) is mainly due to blockade of the outward current by cytoplasmic Mg2+ and polyamines. Analyses of the crystal structure of the cytoplasmic region of Kir2.1 have revealed the presence of both negatively (E224, D255, D259, and E299) and positively (R228 and R260) charged residues on the wall of the cytoplasmic pore of Kir2.1, but the detail is not known about the contribution of these charged residues, the positive charges in particular, to the inward rectification. We therefore analyzed the functional significance of these charged amino acids using single/double point mutants in order to better understand the structure-based mechanism underlying inward rectification of Kir2.1 currents. As a first step, we used two-electrode voltage clamp to examine inward rectification in systematically prepared mutants in which one or two negatively or positively charged amino acids were neutralized by substitution. We found that the intensity of the inward rectification tended to be determined by the net negative charge within the cytoplasmic pore. We then used inside-out excised patch clamp recording to analyze the effect of the mutations on blockade by intracellular blockers and on K+ permeation. We observed that a decrease in the net negative charge within the cytoplasmic pore reduced both the susceptibility of the channel to blockade by Mg2+ or spermine and the voltage dependence of the blockade. It also reduced K+ permeation; i.e., it decreased single channel conductance, increased open-channel noise, and strengthened the intrinsic inward rectification in the total absence of cytoplasmic blockers. Taken together, these data suggest that the negatively charged cytoplasmic pore of Kir electrostatically gathers cations such as Mg2+, spermine, and K+ so that the transmembrane pore is sufficiently filled with K+ ions, which enables strong voltage-dependent blockade with adequate outward K+ conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Fujiwara
- Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Department of Molecular Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi,
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42
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Panama BK, Lopatin AN. Differential polyamine sensitivity in inwardly rectifying Kir2 potassium channels. J Physiol 2005; 571:287-302. [PMID: 16373386 PMCID: PMC1796793 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2005.097741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that Kir2 channels display differential sensitivity to intracellular polyamines, and have raised a number of questions about several properties of inward rectification important to the understanding of their physiological roles. In this study, we have carried out a detailed characterization of steady-state and kinetic properties of block of Kir2.1-3 channels by spermine. High-resolution recordings from outside-out patches showed that in all Kir2 channels current-voltage relationships display a 'crossover' effect upon change in extracellular K+. Experiments at different concentrations of spermine allowed for the characterization of two distinct shallow components of rectification, with the voltages for half-block negative (V1(1/2)) and positive (V2(1/2)) to the voltage of half-block for the major steep component of rectification (V0(1/2)). While V1(1/2) and V2(1/2) voltages differ significantly between Kir2 channels, they were coupled to each other according to the equation V1(1/2)-V2(1/2) = constant, strongly suggesting that similar structures may underlie both components. In Kir2.3 channels, the V2(1/2) was approximately 50 mV positive to V0(1/2), leading to a pattern of outward currents distinct from that of Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 channels. The effective valency of spermine block (Z0) was highest in Kir2.2 channels while the valencies in Kir2.1 and Kir2.3 channels were not significantly different. The voltage dependence of spermine unblock was similar in all Kir2 channels, but the rates of unblock were approximately 7-fold and approximately 16-fold slower in Kir2.3 channels than those in Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 when measured at high and physiological extracellular K+, respectively. In all Kir2 channels, the instantaneous phase of activation was present. The instantaneous phase was difficult to resolve at high extracellular K+ but it became evident and accounted for nearly 30-50% of the total current when recorded at physiological extracellular K+. In conclusion, the data are consistent with the universal mechanism of rectification in Kir2 channels, but also point to significant, and physiologically important, quantitative differences between Kir2 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Panama
- University of Michigan, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0622, USA
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43
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Shin HG, Xu Y, Lu Z. Evidence for sequential ion-binding loci along the inner pore of the IRK1 inward-rectifier K+ channel. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 126:123-35. [PMID: 16043774 PMCID: PMC2266567 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200509296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Steep rectification in IRK1 (Kir2.1) inward-rectifier K+ channels reflects strong voltage dependence (valence of ∼5) of channel block by intracellular cationic blockers such as the polyamine spermine. The observed voltage dependence primarily results from displacement, by spermine, of up to five K+ ions across the narrow K+ selectivity filter, along which the transmembrane voltage drops steeply. Spermine first binds, with modest voltage dependence, at a shallow site where it encounters the innermost K+ ion and impedes conduction. From there, spermine can proceed to a deeper site, displacing several more K+ ions and thereby producing most of the observed voltage dependence. Since in the deeper blocked state the leading amine group of spermine reaches into the cavity region (internal to the selectivity filter) and interacts with residue D172, its trailing end is expected to be near M183. Here, we found that mutation M183A indeed affected the deeper blocked state, which supports the idea that spermine is located in the region lined by the M2 and not deep in the narrow K+ selectivity filter. As to the shallower site whose location has been unknown, we note that in the crystal structure of homologous GIRK1 (Kir3.1), four aromatic side chains of F255, one from each of the four subunits, constrict the intracellular end of the pore to ∼10 Å. For technical simplicity, we used tetraethylammonium (TEA) as an initial probe to test whether the corresponding residue in IRK1, F254, forms the shallower site. We found that replacing the aromatic side chain with an aliphatic one not only lowered TEA affinity of the shallower site ∼100-fold but also eliminated the associated voltage dependence and, furthermore, confirmed that similar effects occurred also for spermine. These results establish the evidence for physically separate, sequential ion-binding loci along the long inner pore of IRK1, and strongly suggest that the aromatic side chains of F254 underlie the likely innermost binding locus for both blocker and K+ ions in the cytoplasmic pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Gyu Shin
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvasnia, 3700 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Makary SMY, Claydon TW, Enkvetchakul D, Nichols CG, Boyett MR. A difference in inward rectification and polyamine block and permeation between the Kir2.1 and Kir3.1/Kir3.4 K+ channels. J Physiol 2005; 568:749-66. [PMID: 16109731 PMCID: PMC1464189 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2005.085746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Inward rectification is caused by voltage-dependent block of the channel pore by intracellular Mg2+ and polyamines such as spermine. In the present study, we compared inward rectification in the Kir3.1/Kir3.4 channel, which underlies the cardiac current I(K,ACh), and the Kir2.1 channel, which underlies the cardiac current I(K,1). Sustained outward current at potentials positive to the K+ reversal potential was observed through Kir3.1/Kir3.4, but not Kir2.1, demonstrating that Kir3.1/Kir3.4 exhibits weaker inward rectification than Kir2.1. We show that Kir3.1/Kir3.4 is more sensitive to extracellular spermine block than Kir2.1, and that intracellular and extracellular polyamines can permeate Kir3.1/Kir3.4, but not Kir2.1, to a limited extent. We describe a simple kinetic model in which polyamines act as permeant blockers of Kir3.1/Kir3.4, but as relatively impermeant blockers of Kir2.1. The model shows the difference in sensitivity to extracellular spermine block, as well as the difference in the extent of inward rectification between the two channels. This suggests that Kir3.1/Kir3.4 exhibits weaker inward rectification than Kir2.1 because of the difference in the balance of polyamine block and permeation of the two channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy M Y Makary
- Division of Cardiovascular and Endocrine Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Incubator Building, Manchester M13 9XX, UK
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Zhang YY, Robertson JL, Gray DA, Palmer LG. Carboxy-terminal determinants of conductance in inward-rectifier K channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 124:729-39. [PMID: 15572348 PMCID: PMC2234023 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200409166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that the cytoplasmic COOH-terminal portions of inward rectifier K channels could contribute significant resistance barriers to ion flow. To explore this question further, we exchanged portions of the COOH termini of ROMK2 (Kir1.1b) and IRK1 (Kir2.1) and measured the resulting single-channel conductances. Replacing the entire COOH terminus of ROMK2 with that of IRK1 decreased the chord conductance at Vm = −100 mV from 34 to 21 pS. The slope conductance measured between −60 and −140 mV was also reduced from 43 to 31 pS. Analysis of chimeric channels suggested that a region between residues 232 and 275 of ROMK2 contributes to this effect. Within this region, the point mutant ROMK2 N240R, in which a single amino acid was exchanged for the corresponding residue of IRK1, reduced the slope conductance to 30 pS and the chord conductance to 22 pS, mimicking the effects of replacing the entire COOH terminus. This mutant had gating and rectification properties indistinguishable from those of the wild-type, suggesting that the structure of the protein was not grossly altered. The N240R mutation did not affect block of the channel by Ba2+, suggesting that the selectivity filter was not strongly affected by the mutation, nor did it change the sensitivity to intracellular pH. To test whether the decrease in conductance was independent of the selectivity filter we made the same mutation in the background of mutations in the pore region of the channel that increased single-channel conductance. The effects were similar to those predicted for two independent resistors arranged in series. The mutation increased conductance ratio for Tl+:K+, accounting for previous observations that the COOH terminus contributed to ion selectivity. Mapping the location onto the crystal structure of the cytoplasmic parts of GIRK1 indicated that position 240 lines the inner wall of this pore and affects the net charge on this surface. This provides a possible structural basis for the observed changes in conductance, and suggests that this element of the channel protein forms a rate-limiting barrier for K+ transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yang Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10021, USA
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Shin HG, Lu Z. Mechanism of the voltage sensitivity of IRK1 inward-rectifier K+ channel block by the polyamine spermine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 125:413-26. [PMID: 15795311 PMCID: PMC2217510 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200409242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
IRK1 (Kir2.1) inward-rectifier K+ channels exhibit exceedingly steep rectification, which reflects strong voltage dependence of channel block by intracellular cations such as the polyamine spermine. On the basis of studies of IRK1 block by various amine blockers, it was proposed that the observed voltage dependence (valence approximately 5) of IRK1 block by spermine results primarily from K+ ions, not spermine itself, traversing the transmembrane electrical field that drops mostly across the narrow ion selectivity filter, as spermine and K+ ions displace one another during channel block and unblock. If indeed spermine itself only rarely penetrates deep into the ion selectivity filter, then a long blocker with head groups much wider than the selectivity filter should exhibit comparably strong voltage dependence. We confirm here that channel block by two molecules of comparable length, decane-bis-trimethylammonium (bis-QA(C10)) and spermine, exhibit practically identical overall voltage dependence even though the head groups of the former are much wider ( approximately 6 A) than the ion selectivity filter ( approximately 3 A). For both blockers, the overall equilibrium dissociation constant differs from the ratio of apparent rate constants of channel unblock and block. Also, although steady-state IRK1 block by both cations is strongly voltage dependent, their apparent channel-blocking rate constant exhibits minimal voltage dependence, which suggests that the pore becomes blocked as soon as the blocker encounters the innermost K+ ion. These findings strongly suggest the existence of at least two (potentially identifiable) sequentially related blocked states with increasing numbers of K+ ions displaced. Consequently, the steady-state voltage dependence of IRK1 block by spermine or bis-QA(C10) should increase with membrane depolarization, a prediction indeed observed. Further kinetic analysis identifies two blocked states, and shows that most of the observed steady-state voltage dependence is associated with the transition between blocked states, consistent with the view that the mutual displacement of blocker and K+ ions must occur mainly as the blocker travels along the long inner pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Gyu Shin
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA
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Hasenbrink G, Schwarzer S, Kolacna L, Ludwig J, Sychrova H, Lichtenberg-Fraté H. Analysis of the mKir2.1 channel activity in potassium influx defectiveSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains determined as changes in growth characteristics. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:1723-31. [PMID: 15757667 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2004] [Revised: 01/24/2005] [Accepted: 02/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Potassium uptake defective Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (Deltatrk1,2 and Deltatrk1,2 Deltatok1) were used for the phenotypic analysis of the mouse inward rectifying Kir2.1 channel by growth analysis. Functional expression of both, multi-copy plasmid and chromosomally expressed GFP-mKir2.1 fusion constructs complemented the potassium uptake deficient phenotype in a pHout dependent manner. Upon application of Hygromycin B to chromosomally mKir2.1 expressing cells, significantly lower toxin sensitivity (EC50 15.4 microM) compared to Deltatrk1,2 Deltatok1 cells (EC50 2.6 microM) was observed. Growth determination of mKir2.1 expressing strains upon application of Ag+, Cs+ and Ba2+ as known blockers of mKir2.1 channels revealed significantly decreased channel function. Cells with mKir2.1 were about double sensitive to AgNO3, 350-fold more sensitive to CsCl and 1500-fold more sensitive to BaCl2 in comparison to the respective controls indicating functional expression and correct pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Hasenbrink
- Molecular Bioenergetics, IZMB, Universität Bonn, Kirschallee 1, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Xu Y, Lu Z. Characterization of inward-rectifier K+ channel inhibition by antiarrhythmic piperazine. Biochemistry 2005; 43:15577-83. [PMID: 15581370 DOI: 10.1021/bi0483099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Strong inward-rectifier K(+) (Kir) channels play a significant role in shaping the cardiac action potential: they help produce its long plateau and accelerate its rate of repolarization. Consequently, genetic deletion of the gene encoding the strongly rectifying K(+) channel IRK1 (Kir2.1) prolongs the cardiac action potential in mice. In principle, broadening the action potential lengthens the refractory period, which may in turn be antiarrhythmogenic. Interestingly, previous studies showed that piperazine, an inexpensive and safe anthelmintic, both inhibits IRK1 channels and is antiarrhythmic in some animal preparations. This potential pharmacological benefit motivated us to further characterize the energetic, kinetic, and molecular properties of IRK1 inhibition by piperazine. We show how its blocking characteristics, in particular, its shallow voltage dependence, allow piperazine to be effective even in the presence of high-affinity polyamine blockers. We also examine the channel selectivity of piperazine and its molecular determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Xu
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Morton MJ, Chipperfield S, Abohamed A, Sivaprasadarao A, Hunter M. Na+-induced inward rectification in the two-pore domain K+channel, TASK-2. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2005; 288:F162-9. [PMID: 15328068 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00248.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
TASK-2 is a member of the two-pore domain K+(K2P) channel family that is expressed at high levels in several epithelia, including the proximal tubule. In common with the other TASK channels, TASK-2 is sensitive to changes in extracellular pH. We have expressed human TASK-2 in Chinese hamster ovary cells and studied whole cell and single-channel activity by patch clamp. The open probability of K2Pchannels is generally independent of voltage, yielding linear current-voltage ( I- V) curves. Despite these properties, we found that these channels showed distinct inward rectification immediately on the establishment of whole cell clamp, which became progressively less pronounced with time. This rectification was due to intracellular Na+but was unaffected by polyamines or Mg2+(agents that cause rectification in Kir channels). Rectification was concentration- and voltage-dependent and could be reversibly induced by switching between Na+-rich and Na+-free bath solutions. In excised inside-out patches, Na+reduced the amplitude of single-channel currents, indicative of rapid block and unblock of the pore. Mutations in the selectivity filter abolished Na+-induced rectification, suggesting that Na+binds within the selectivity filter in wild-type channels. This sensitivity to intracellular Na+may be an additional potential regulatory mechanism of TASK-2 channels.
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Yan DH, Ishihara K. Two Kir2.1 channel populations with different sensitivities to Mg(2+) and polyamine block: a model for the cardiac strong inward rectifier K(+) channel. J Physiol 2004; 563:725-44. [PMID: 15618275 PMCID: PMC1665606 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2004.079186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The strong inward rectification of the whole cell Kir2.1 current, which is very similar to the cardiac inward rectifier K(+) current (I(K1)), is caused by voltage-dependent blockade of outward currents by the intracellular polyamines spermine and spermidine. We recently showed that macroscopic Kir2.1 currents obtained from inside-out patches in the presence of various concentrations of cytoplasmic polyamines are well explained by the sum of the currents through two populations of channels that show differing susceptibilities to polyamine blockade. The outward currents obtained with 5-10 microM cytoplasmic spermine showed current-voltage relationships similar to those of I(K1) and were considered to flow mostly through a small population of channels exhibiting lower spermine sensitivity. Here we used inside-out patches to examine the blockade of macroscopic Kir2.1 currents by cytoplasmic Mg(2+) in the absence and presence of cytoplasmic spermine. Outward currents were blocked by 0.6 and 1.1 microM Mg(2+) in a concentration-dependent manner, but a small fraction ( approximately 0.1) of the macroscopic conductance was resistant to Mg(2+) at those concentrations, suggesting there are two populations of Kir2.1 channels with different sensitivities to Mg(2+). Furthermore, at those concentrations, Mg(2+) blocked inward currents by inducing a shallow blocked state that differed from the deeper state causing the inward rectification. In the presence of 1.1 microM Mg(2+) + 5 microM spermine, Mg(2+) blocked a substantial current component during depolarizing pulses and generated transient outward components, which is consistent with findings from earlier whole-cell experiments. In the steady state, Mg(2+) blocked the currents at voltages around and negative to the reversal potential and induced sustained outward components. The steady-state and time-dependent current amplitudes and the fractional blockades caused by spermine and Mg(2+) could be quantitatively explained by a model in which Mg(2+) competes with spermine to block the high-affinity channel and induces three conductance states. The present results suggest that the outward I(K1) flows through two populations of channels with different sensitivities to cytoplasmic blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Hong Yan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan
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