1
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Fedida D, Sastre D, Dou Y, Westhoff M, Eldstrom J. Evaluating sequential and allosteric activation models in IKs channels with mutated voltage sensors. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313465. [PMID: 38294435 PMCID: PMC10829594 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The ion-conducting IKs channel complex, important in cardiac repolarization and arrhythmias, comprises tetramers of KCNQ1 α-subunits along with 1-4 KCNE1 accessory subunits and calmodulin regulatory molecules. The E160R mutation in individual KCNQ1 subunits was used to prevent activation of voltage sensors and allow direct determination of transition rate data from complexes opening with a fixed number of 1, 2, or 4 activatable voltage sensors. Markov models were used to test the suitability of sequential versus allosteric models of IKs activation by comparing simulations with experimental steady-state and transient activation kinetics, voltage-sensor fluorescence from channels with two or four activatable domains, and limiting slope currents at negative potentials. Sequential Hodgkin-Huxley-type models approximately describe IKs currents but cannot explain an activation delay in channels with only one activatable subunit or the hyperpolarizing shift in the conductance-voltage relationship with more activatable voltage sensors. Incorporating two voltage sensor activation steps in sequential models and a concerted step in opening via rates derived from fluorescence measurements improves models but does not resolve fundamental differences with experimental data. Limiting slope current data that show the opening of channels at negative potentials and very low open probability are better simulated using allosteric models of activation with one transition per voltage sensor, which implies that movement of all four sensors is not required for IKs conductance. Tiered allosteric models with two activating transitions per voltage sensor can fully account for IKs current and fluorescence activation kinetics in constructs with different numbers of activatable voltage sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fedida
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daniel Sastre
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ying Dou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Maartje Westhoff
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jodene Eldstrom
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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2
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Kudaibergenova M, Guo J, Khan HM, Lees-Miller J, Mousaei M, Miranda W, Ngo VA, Noskov SY, Tieleman DP, Duff HJ. The voltage-sensing domain of a hERG1 mutant is a cation-selective channel. Biophys J 2022; 121:4585-4599. [PMID: 36815709 PMCID: PMC9748372 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A cationic leak current known as an "omega current" may arise from mutations of the first charged residue in the S4 of the voltage sensor domains of sodium and potassium voltage-gated channels. The voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) in these mutated channels act as pores allowing nonspecific passage of cations, such as Li+, K+, Cs+, and guanidinium. Interestingly, no omega currents have been previously detected in the nonswapped voltage-gated potassium channels such as the human-ether-a-go-go-related (hERG1), hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated, and ether-a-go-go channels. In this work, we discovered a novel omega current by mutating the first charged residue of the S4 of the hERG1, K525 to serine. To characterize this omega current, we used various probes, including the hERG1 pore domain blocker, dofetilide, to show that the omega current does not require cation flux via the canonical pore domain. In addition, the omega flux does not cross the conventional selectivity filter. We also show that the mutated channel (K525S hERG1) conducts guanidinium. These data are indicative of the formation of an omega current channel within the VSD. Using molecular dynamics simulations with replica-exchange umbrella sampling simulations of the wild-type hERG1 and the K525S hERG1, we explored the molecular underpinnings governing the cation flow in the VSD of the mutant. We also show that the wild-type hERG1 may form water crevices supported by the biophysical surface accessibility data. Overall, our multidisciplinary study demonstrates that the VSD of hERG1 may act as a cation-selective channel wherein a mutation of the first charged residue in the S4 generates an omega current. Our simulation uncovers the atomistic underpinning of this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meruyert Kudaibergenova
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jiqing Guo
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hanif M Khan
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - James Lees-Miller
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mahdi Mousaei
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Williams Miranda
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Van A Ngo
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sergei Yu Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - D Peter Tieleman
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Henry J Duff
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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3
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Zhang X, Wang B, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Du L. How to Fluorescently Label the Potassium Channel: A Case in hERG. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3046-3054. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666181129094455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
hERG (Human ether-a-go-go-related gene) potassium channel, which plays an essential
role in cardiac action potential repolarization, is responsible for inherited and druginduced
long QT syndrome. Recently, the Cryo-EM structure capturing the open conformation
of hERG channel was determined, thus pushing the study on hERG channel at 3.8 Å
resolution. This report focuses primarily on summarizing the design rationale and application
of several fluorescent probes that target hERG channels, which enables dynamic and real-time
monitoring of potassium pore channel affinity to further advance the understanding of the
channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Beilei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Lupei Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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4
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Selectivity filter modalities and rapid inactivation of the hERG1 channel. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:2795-2804. [PMID: 31980532 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909196117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human ether-á-go-go-related gene (hERG1) channel conducts small outward K+ currents that are critical for cardiomyocyte membrane repolarization. The gain-of-function mutation N629D at the outer mouth of the selectivity filter (SF) disrupts inactivation and K+-selective transport in hERG1, leading to arrhythmogenic phenotypes associated with long-QT syndrome. Here, we combined computational electrophysiology with Markov state model analysis to investigate how SF-level gating modalities control selective cation transport in wild-type (WT) and mutant (N629D) hERG1 variants. Starting from the recently reported cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) open-state channel structure, multiple microseconds-long molecular-dynamics (MD) trajectories were generated using different cation configurations at the filter, voltages, electrolyte concentrations, and force-field parameters. Most of the K+ permeation events observed in hERG1-WT simulations occurred at microsecond timescales, influenced by the spontaneous dehydration/rehydration dynamics at the filter. The SF region displayed conductive, constricted, occluded, and dilated states, in qualitative agreement with the well-documented flickering conductance of hERG1. In line with mutagenesis studies, these gating modalities resulted from dynamic interaction networks involving residues from the SF, outer-mouth vestibule, P-helices, and S5-P segments. We found that N629D mutation significantly stabilizes the SF in a state that is permeable to both K+ and Na+, which is reminiscent of the SF in the nonselective bacterial NaK channel. Increasing the external K+ concentration induced "WT-like" SF dynamics in N629D, in qualitative agreement with the recovery of flickering currents in experiments. Overall, our findings provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling selective transport in K+ channels with a nonconventional SF sequence.
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5
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Cowgill J, Chanda B. The contribution of voltage clamp fluorometry to the understanding of channel and transporter mechanisms. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:1163-1172. [PMID: 31431491 PMCID: PMC6785729 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201912372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cowgill and Chanda discuss the importance of voltage clamp fluorometry to the functional interpretation of ion channel and transporter structures. Key advances in single particle cryo-EM methods in the past decade have ushered in a resolution revolution in modern biology. The structures of many ion channels and transporters that were previously recalcitrant to crystallography have now been solved. Yet, despite having atomistic models of many complexes, some in multiple conformations, it has been challenging to glean mechanistic insight from these structures. To some extent this reflects our inability to unambiguously assign a given structure to a particular physiological state. One approach that may allow us to bridge this gap between structure and function is voltage clamp fluorometry (VCF). Using this technique, dynamic conformational changes can be measured while simultaneously monitoring the functional state of the channel or transporter. Many of the important papers that have used VCF to probe the gating mechanisms of channels and transporters have been published in the Journal of General Physiology. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of VCF and discuss some of the key problems that have been addressed using this approach. We end with a brief discussion of the outlook for this technique in the era of high-resolution structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Cowgill
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Baron Chanda
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI .,Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
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6
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Shi YP, Thouta S, Cheng YM, Claydon TW. Extracellular protons accelerate hERG channel deactivation by destabilizing voltage sensor relaxation. J Gen Physiol 2018; 151:231-246. [PMID: 30530765 PMCID: PMC6363419 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human ether-à-go-go–related gene (hERG) encodes a delayed rectifier K+ channel with slow deactivation gating. Shi et al. find that acidic residues on S3 contribute to slow deactivation kinetics by stabilizing the relaxed state of the voltage sensor, which can be mitigated by extracellular protons. hERG channels underlie the delayed-rectifier K+ channel current (IKr), which is crucial for membrane repolarization and therefore termination of the cardiac action potential. hERG channels display unusually slow deactivation gating, which contributes to a resurgent current upon repolarization and may protect against post-depolarization–induced arrhythmias. hERG channels also exhibit robust mode shift behavior, which reflects the energetic separation of activation and deactivation pathways due to voltage sensor relaxation into a stable activated state. The mechanism of relaxation is unknown and likely contributes to slow hERG channel deactivation. Here, we use extracellular acidification to probe the structural determinants of voltage sensor relaxation and its influence on the deactivation gating pathway. Using gating current recordings and voltage clamp fluorimetry measurements of voltage sensor domain dynamics, we show that voltage sensor relaxation is destabilized at pH 6.5, causing an ∼20-mV shift in the voltage dependence of deactivation. We show that the pH dependence of the resultant loss of mode shift behavior is similar to that of the deactivation kinetics acceleration, suggesting that voltage sensor relaxation correlates with slower pore gate closure. Neutralization of D509 in S3 also destabilizes the relaxed state of the voltage sensor, mimicking the effect of protons, suggesting that acidic residues on S3, which act as countercharges to S4 basic residues, are involved in stabilizing the relaxed state and slowing deactivation kinetics. Our findings identify the mechanistic determinants of voltage sensor relaxation and define the long-sought mechanism by which protons accelerate hERG deactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Patrick Shi
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Samrat Thouta
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yen May Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tom W Claydon
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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de la Peña P, Domínguez P, Barros F. Functional characterization of Kv11.1 (hERG) potassium channels split in the voltage-sensing domain. Pflugers Arch 2018; 470:1069-1085. [PMID: 29572566 PMCID: PMC6013512 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-018-2135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-dependent KCNH family potassium channel functionality can be reconstructed using non-covalently linked voltage-sensing domain (VSD) and pore modules (split channels). However, the necessity of a covalent continuity for channel function has not been evaluated at other points within the two functionally independent channel modules. We find here that by cutting Kv11.1 (hERG, KCNH2) channels at the different loops linking the transmembrane spans of the channel core, not only channels split at the S4–S5 linker level, but also those split at the intracellular S2–S3 and the extracellular S3–S4 loops, yield fully functional channel proteins. Our data indicate that albeit less markedly, channels split after residue 482 in the S2–S3 linker resemble the uncoupled gating phenotype of those split at the C-terminal end of the VSD S4 transmembrane segment. Channels split after residues 514 and 518 in the S3–S4 linker show gating characteristics similar to those of the continuous wild-type channel. However, breaking the covalent link at this level strongly accelerates the voltage-dependent accessibility of a membrane impermeable methanethiosulfonate reagent to an engineered cysteine at the N-terminal region of the S4 transmembrane helix. Thus, besides that of the S4–S5 linker, structural integrity of the intracellular S2–S3 linker seems to constitute an important factor for proper transduction of VSD rearrangements to opening and closing the cytoplasmic gate. Furthermore, our data suggest that the short and probably rigid characteristics of the extracellular S3–S4 linker are not an essential component of the Kv11.1 voltage sensing machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar de la Peña
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Pedro Domínguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Francisco Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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8
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Silva JR. How to Connect Cardiac Excitation to the Atomic Interactions of Ion Channels. Biophys J 2018; 114:259-266. [PMID: 29401425 PMCID: PMC5984968 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many have worked to create cardiac action potential models that explicitly represent atomic-level details of ion channel structure. Such models have the potential to define new therapeutic directions and to show how nanoscale perturbations to channel function predispose patients to deadly cardiac arrhythmia. However, there have been significant experimental and theoretical barriers that have limited model usefulness. Recently, many of these barriers have come down, suggesting that considerable progress toward creating these long-sought models may be possible in the near term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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9
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de la Peña P, Domínguez P, Barros F. Gating mechanism of Kv11.1 (hERG) K + channels without covalent connection between voltage sensor and pore domains. Pflugers Arch 2017; 470:517-536. [PMID: 29270671 PMCID: PMC5805800 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Kv11.1 (hERG, KCNH2) is a voltage-gated potassium channel crucial in setting the cardiac rhythm and the electrical behaviour of several non-cardiac cell types. Voltage-dependent gating of Kv11.1 can be reconstructed from non-covalently linked voltage sensing and pore modules (split channels), challenging classical views of voltage-dependent channel activation based on a S4–S5 linker acting as a rigid mechanical lever to open the gate. Progressive displacement of the split position from the end to the beginning of the S4–S5 linker induces an increasing negative shift in activation voltage dependence, a reduced zg value and a more negative ΔG0 for current activation, an almost complete abolition of the activation time course sigmoid shape and a slowing of the voltage-dependent deactivation. Channels disconnected at the S4–S5 linker near the S4 helix show a destabilization of the closed state(s). Furthermore, the isochronal ion current mode shift magnitude is clearly reduced in the different splits. Interestingly, the progressive modifications of voltage dependence activation gating by changing the split position are accompanied by a shift in the voltage-dependent availability to a methanethiosulfonate reagent of a Cys introduced at the upper S4 helix. Our data demonstrate for the first time that alterations in the covalent connection between the voltage sensor and the pore domains impact on the structural reorganizations of the voltage sensor domain. Also, they support the hypothesis that the S4–S5 linker integrates signals coming from other cytoplasmic domains that constitute either an important component or a crucial regulator of the gating machinery in Kv11.1 and other KCNH channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar de la Peña
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Pedro Domínguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Francisco Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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10
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The Fast Component of hERG Gating Charge: An Interaction between D411 in the S1 and S4 Residues. Biophys J 2017; 113:1979-1991. [PMID: 29117522 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Kv11.1 (hERG) is a voltage-gated potassium channel that shows very slow ionic current activation kinetics, and an unusual underlying biphasic gating charge movement with fast and slow components that differ greatly in time course. The structural basis and role of the fast component of gating charge (Qfast) is unclear, and its relationship to the slow activation of hERG channels is not understood. In this study we have used the cut-open oocyte voltage-clamp technique to investigate the relationship of fast gating charge movement-to-residue interactions between D411 at the bottom of the S1, and lower S4 domain charged and uncharged residues. Neutralization of D411 or K538 and V535A prevented Qfast and greatly accelerated overall charge movement. Voltage-clamp fluorometry showed a loss of a fast component of S4 fluorescence in D411N, V535A, and K538Q upon depolarization, whereas [2-(trimethyl ammonium) ethyl] methanethiosulfonate chloride modification of I521C in the outer S4 was enhanced at more negative potentials and at earlier times in these same mutants. A functional interaction between these regions during activation was suggested by ΔΔGo values >4.2 kJ/mol obtained from double mutant cycle analysis. The data indicate that interactions of S1 residue D411 with lower S4 residues stabilizes early closed states of the channel, and that disruption of these interactions results in both faster rates of activation gating and an elimination of the fast component of gating charge movement and of fluorescence. We propose that the Qfast charge movement during activation accompanies transitions through early closed states of the hERG activation pathway, and that the weak voltage dependence of these transitions limits the overall activation rate of hERG channels. Disruption of the D411-S4 interactions destabilizes these early closed states, leaving hERG channels able to activate at a rate similar to conventional potassium channels.
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11
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Kalyaanamoorthy S, Barakat KH. Development of Safe Drugs: The hERG Challenge. Med Res Rev 2017; 38:525-555. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Subha Kalyaanamoorthy
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University Of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Khaled H. Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University Of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
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12
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Phan K, Ng CA, David E, Shishmarev D, Kuchel PW, Vandenberg JI, Perry MD. The S1 helix critically regulates the finely tuned gating of Kv11.1 channels. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:7688-7705. [PMID: 28280240 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.779298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital mutations in the cardiac Kv11.1 channel can cause long QT syndrome type 2 (LQTS2), a heart rhythm disorder associated with sudden cardiac death. Mutations act either by reducing protein expression at the membrane and/or by perturbing the intricate gating properties of Kv11.1 channels. A number of clinical LQTS2-associated mutations have been reported in the first transmembrane segment (S1) of Kv11.1 channels, but the role of this region of the channel is largely unexplored. In part, this is due to problems defining the extent of the S1 helix, as a consequence of its low sequence homology with other Kv family members. Here, we used NMR spectroscopy and electrophysiological characterization to show that the S1 of Kv11.1 channels extends seven helical turns, from Pro-405 to Phe-431, and is flanked by unstructured loops. Functional analysis suggests that pre-S1 loop residues His-402 and Tyr-403 play an important role in regulating the kinetics and voltage dependence of channel activation and deactivation. Multiple residues within the S1 helix also play an important role in fine-tuning the voltage dependence of activation, regulating slow deactivation, and modulating C-type inactivation of Kv11.1 channels. Analyses of LQTS2-associated mutations in the pre-S1 loop or S1 helix of Kv11.1 channels demonstrate perturbations to both protein expression and most gating transitions. Thus, S1 region mutations would reduce both the action potential repolarizing current passed by Kv11.1 channels in cardiac myocytes, as well as the current passed in response to premature depolarizations that normally helps protect against the formation of ectopic beats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Phan
- From the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010.,the St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, and
| | - Chai Ann Ng
- From the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010.,the St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, and
| | - Erikka David
- From the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010
| | - Dmitry Shishmarev
- the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Philip W Kuchel
- the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jamie I Vandenberg
- From the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010.,the St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, and
| | - Matthew D Perry
- From the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, .,the St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, and
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13
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Grandi E, Sanguinetti MC, Bartos DC, Bers DM, Chen-Izu Y, Chiamvimonvat N, Colecraft HM, Delisle BP, Heijman J, Navedo MF, Noskov S, Proenza C, Vandenberg JI, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Potassium channels in the heart: structure, function and regulation. J Physiol 2016; 595:2209-2228. [PMID: 27861921 DOI: 10.1113/jp272864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper is the outcome of the fourth UC Davis Systems Approach to Understanding Cardiac Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Arrhythmias Symposium, a biannual event that aims to bring together leading experts in subfields of cardiovascular biomedicine to focus on topics of importance to the field. The theme of the 2016 symposium was 'K+ Channels and Regulation'. Experts in the field contributed their experimental and mathematical modelling perspectives and discussed emerging questions, controversies and challenges on the topic of cardiac K+ channels. This paper summarizes the topics of formal presentations and informal discussions from the symposium on the structural basis of voltage-gated K+ channel function, as well as the mechanisms involved in regulation of K+ channel gating, expression and membrane localization. Given the critical role for K+ channels in determining the rate of cardiac repolarization, it is hardly surprising that essentially every aspect of K+ channel function is exquisitely regulated in cardiac myocytes. This regulation is complex and highly interrelated to other aspects of myocardial function. K+ channel regulatory mechanisms alter, and are altered by, physiological challenges, pathophysiological conditions, and pharmacological agents. An accompanying paper focuses on the integrative role of K+ channels in cardiac electrophysiology, i.e. how K+ currents shape the cardiac action potential, and how their dysfunction can lead to arrhythmias, and discusses K+ channel-based therapeutics. A fundamental understanding of K+ channel regulatory mechanisms and disease processes is fundamental to reveal new targets for human therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Michael C Sanguinetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Daniel C Bartos
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Ye Chen-Izu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nipavan Chiamvimonvat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Henry M Colecraft
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Brian P Delisle
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel F Navedo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sergei Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Catherine Proenza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jamie I Vandenberg
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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14
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Guo J, Cheng YM, Lees-Miller JP, Perissinotti LL, Claydon TW, Hull CM, Thouta S, Roach DE, Durdagi S, Noskov SY, Duff HJ. NS1643 interacts around L529 of hERG to alter voltage sensor movement on the path to activation. Biophys J 2016; 108:1400-1413. [PMID: 25809253 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activators of hERG1 such as NS1643 are being developed for congenital/acquired long QT syndrome. Previous studies identify the neighborhood of L529 around the voltage-sensor as a putative interacting site for NS1643. With NS1643, the V1/2 of activation of L529I (-34 ± 4 mV) is similar to wild-type (WT) (-37 ± 3 mV; P > 0.05). WT and L529I showed no difference in the slope factor in the absence of NS1643 (8 ± 0 vs. 9 ± 0) but showed a difference in the presence of NS1643 (9 ± 0.3 vs. 22 ± 1; P < 0.01). Voltage-clamp-fluorimetry studies also indicated that in L529I, NS1643 reduces the voltage-sensitivity of S4 movement. To further assess mechanism of NS1643 action, mutations were made in this neighborhood. NS1643 shifts the V1/2 of activation of both K525C and K525C/L529I to hyperpolarized potentials (-131 ± 4 mV for K525C and -120 ± 21 mV for K525C/L529I). Both K525C and K525C/K529I had similar slope factors in the absence of NS1643 (18 ± 2 vs. 34 ± 5, respectively) but with NS1643, the slope factor of K525C/L529I increased from 34 ± 5 to 71 ± 10 (P < 0.01) whereas for K525C the slope factor did not change (18 ± 2 at baseline and 16 ± 2 for NS1643). At baseline, K525R had a slope factor similar to WT (9 vs. 8) but in the presence of NS1643, the slope factor of K525R was increased to 24 ± 4 vs. 9 ± 0 mV for WT (P < 0.01). Molecular modeling indicates that L529I induces a kink in the S4 voltage-sensor helix, altering a salt-bridge involving K525. Moreover, docking studies indicate that NS1643 binds to the kinked structure induced by the mutation with a higher affinity. Combining biophysical, computational, and electrophysiological evidence, a mechanistic principle governing the action of some activators of hERG1 channels is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Guo
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yen May Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James P Lees-Miller
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laura L Perissinotti
- Centre for Molecular Simulations, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tom W Claydon
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christina M Hull
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Samrat Thouta
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel E Roach
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Centre for Molecular Simulations, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sergei Y Noskov
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Centre for Molecular Simulations, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Henry J Duff
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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15
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Goodchild SJ, Macdonald LC, Fedida D. Sequence of gating charge movement and pore gating in HERG activation and deactivation pathways. Biophys J 2016; 108:1435-1447. [PMID: 25809256 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
KV11.1 voltage-gated K(+) channels are noted for unusually slow activation, fast inactivation, and slow deactivation kinetics, which tune channel activity to provide vital repolarizing current during later stages of the cardiac action potential. The bulk of charge movement in human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) is slow, as is return of charge upon repolarization, suggesting that the rates of hERG channel opening and, critically, that of deactivation might be determined by slow voltage sensor movement, and also by a mode-shift after activation. To test these ideas, we compared the kinetics and voltage dependence of ionic activation and deactivation with gating charge movement. At 0 mV, gating charge moved ∼threefold faster than ionic current, which suggests the presence of additional slow transitions downstream of charge movement in the physiological activation pathway. A significant voltage sensor mode-shift was apparent by 24 ms at +60 mV in gating currents, and return of charge closely tracked pore closure after pulses of 100 and 300 ms duration. A deletion of the N-terminus PAS domain, mutation R4AR5A or the LQT2-causing mutation R56Q gave faster-deactivating channels that displayed an attenuated mode-shift of charge. This indicates that charge movement is perturbed by N- and C-terminus interactions, and that these domain interactions stabilize the open state and limit the rate of charge return. We conclude that slow on-gating charge movement can only partly account for slow hERG ionic activation, and that the rate of pore closure has a limiting role in the slow return of gating charges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Goodchild
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Logan C Macdonald
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Fedida
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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16
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Priest M, Bezanilla F. Functional Site-Directed Fluorometry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 869:55-76. [PMID: 26381940 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2845-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Initially developed in the mid-1990s to examine the conformational changes of the canonical Shaker voltage-gated potassium channel, functional site-directed fluorometry has since been expanded to numerous other voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels as well as transporters, pumps, and other integral membrane proteins. The power of functional site-directed fluorometry, also known as voltage-clamp fluorometry, lies in its ability to provide information on the conformational changes in a protein in response to changes in its environment with high temporal resolution while simultaneously monitoring the function of that protein. Over time, applications of site-directed fluorometry have expanded to examine the interactions of ion channels with modulators ranging from membrane potential to ligands to accessory protein subunits to lipids. In the future, the range of questions answerable by functional site-directed fluorometry and its interpretive power should continue to improve, making it an even more powerful technique for dissecting the conformational dynamics of ion channels and other membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Priest
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Gordon Center for Integrative Science W229M, 929 East 57th Street, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Francisco Bezanilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Gordon Center for Integrative Science W229M, 929 East 57th Street, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA.
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17
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Zhu W, Varga Z, Silva JR. Molecular motions that shape the cardiac action potential: Insights from voltage clamp fluorometry. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 120:3-17. [PMID: 26724572 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Very recently, voltage-clamp fluorometry (VCF) protocols have been developed to observe the membrane proteins responsible for carrying the ventricular ionic currents that form the action potential (AP), including those carried by the cardiac Na(+) channel, NaV1.5, the L-type Ca(2+) channel, CaV1.2, the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase, and the rapid and slow components of the delayed rectifier, KV11.1 and KV7.1. This development is significant, because VCF enables simultaneous observation of ionic current kinetics with conformational changes occurring within specific channel domains. The ability gained from VCF, to connect nanoscale molecular movement to ion channel function has revealed how the voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) control ion flux through channel pores, mechanisms of post-translational regulation and the molecular pathology of inherited mutations. In the future, we expect that this data will be of great use for the creation of multi-scale computational AP models that explicitly represent ion channel conformations, connecting molecular, cell and tissue electrophysiology. Here, we review the VCF protocol, recent results, and discuss potential future developments, including potential use of these experimental findings to create novel computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandi Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zoltan Varga
- MTA-DE-NAP B Ion Channel Structure-Function Research Group, RCMM, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jonathan R Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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18
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Colenso CK, Cao Y, Sessions RB, Hancox JC, Dempsey CE. Voltage sensor gating charge transfer in a hERG potassium channel model. Biophys J 2015; 107:L25-8. [PMID: 25418316 PMCID: PMC4241455 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxation of a hERG K+ channel model during molecular-dynamics simulation in a hydrated POPC bilayer was accompanied by transitions of an arginine gating charge across a charge transfer center in two voltage sensor domains. Inspection of the passage of arginine side chains across the charge transfer center suggests that the unique hydration properties of the arginine guanidine cation facilitates charge transfer during voltage sensor responses to changes in membrane potential, and underlies the preference of Arg over Lys as a mobile charge carrier in voltage-sensitive ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang Cao
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jules C Hancox
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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19
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Computational investigations of hERG channel blockers: New insights and current predictive models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 86:72-82. [PMID: 25770776 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Identification of potential human Ether-a-go-go Related-Gene (hERG) potassium channel blockers is an essential part of the drug development and drug safety process in pharmaceutical industries or academic drug discovery centers, as they may lead to drug-induced QT prolongation, arrhythmia and Torsade de Pointes. Recent reports also suggest starting to address such issues at the hit selection stage. In order to prioritize molecules during the early drug discovery phase and to reduce the risk of drug attrition due to cardiotoxicity during pre-clinical and clinical stages, computational approaches have been developed to predict the potential hERG blockage of new drug candidates. In this review, we will describe the current in silico methods developed and applied to predict and to understand the mechanism of actions of hERG blockers, including ligand-based and structure-based approaches. We then discuss ongoing research on other ion channels and hERG polymorphism susceptible to be involved in LQTS and how systemic approaches can help in the drug safety decision.
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20
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Proline scan of the HERG channel S6 helix reveals the location of the intracellular pore gate. Biophys J 2014; 106:1057-69. [PMID: 24606930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In Shaker-like channels, the activation gate is formed at the bundle crossing by the convergence of the inner S6 helices near a conserved proline-valine-proline motif, which introduces a kink that allows for electromechanical coupling with voltage sensor motions via the S4-S5 linker. Human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channels lack the proline-valine-proline motif and the location of the intracellular pore gate and how it is coupled to S4 movement is less clear. Here, we show that proline substitutions within the S6 of hERG perturbed pore gate closure, trapping channels in the open state. Performing a proline scan of the inner S6 helix, from Ile(655) to Tyr(667) revealed that gate perturbation occurred with proximal (I655P-Q664P), but not distal (R665P-Y667P) substitutions, suggesting that Gln(664) marks the position of the intracellular gate in hERG channels. Using voltage-clamp fluorimetry and gating current analysis, we demonstrate that proline substitutions trap the activation gate open by disrupting the coupling between the voltage-sensing unit and the pore of the channel. We characterize voltage sensor movement in one such trapped-open mutant channel and demonstrate the kinetics of what we interpret to be intrinsic hERG voltage sensor movement.
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21
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Cheng YM, Hull CM, Niven CM, Qi J, Allard CR, Claydon TW. Functional interactions of voltage sensor charges with an S2 hydrophobic plug in hERG channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 142:289-303. [PMID: 23980197 PMCID: PMC3753600 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201310992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Human ether-à-go-go–related gene (hERG, Kv11.1) potassium channels have unusually slow activation and deactivation kinetics. It has been suggested that, in fast-activating Shaker channels, a highly conserved Phe residue (F290) in the S2 segment forms a putative gating charge transfer center that interacts with S4 gating charges, i.e., R362 (R1) and K374 (K5), and catalyzes their movement across the focused electric field. F290 is conserved in hERG (F463), but the relevant residues in the hERG S4 are reversed, i.e., K525 (K1) and R537 (R5), and there is an extra positive charge adjacent to R537 (i.e., K538). We have examined whether hERG channels possess a transfer center similar to that described in Shaker and if these S4 charge differences contribute to slow gating in hERG channels. Of five hERG F463 hydrophobic substitutions tested, F463W and F463Y shifted the conductance–voltage (G-V) relationship to more depolarized potentials and dramatically slowed channel activation. With the S4 residue reversals (i.e., K525, R537) taken into account, the closed state stabilization by F463W is consistent with a role for F463 that is similar to that described for F290 in Shaker. As predicted from results with Shaker, the hERG K525R mutation destabilized the closed state. However, hERG R537K did not stabilize the open state as predicted. Instead, we found the neighboring K538 residue to be critical for open state stabilization, as K538R dramatically slowed and right-shifted the voltage dependence of activation. Finally, double mutant cycle analysis on the G-V curves of F463W/K525R and F463W/K538R double mutations suggests that F463 forms functional interactions with K525 and K538 in the S4 segment. Collectively, these data suggest a role for F463 in mediating closed–open equilibria, similar to that proposed for F290 in Shaker channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen May Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
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22
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Shi YP, Cheng YM, Van Slyke AC, Claydon TW. External protons destabilize the activated voltage sensor in hERG channels. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2013; 43:59-69. [PMID: 24362825 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-013-0940-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular acidosis shifts hERG channel activation to more depolarized potentials and accelerates channel deactivation; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects are unclear. External divalent cations, e.g., Ca(2+) and Cd(2+), mimic these effects and coordinate within a metal ion binding pocket composed of three acidic residues in hERG: D456 and D460 in S2 and D509 in S3. A common mechanism may underlie divalent cation and proton effects on hERG gating. Using two-electrode voltage clamp, we show proton sensitivity of hERG channel activation (pKa = 5.6), but not deactivation, was greatly reduced in the presence of Cd(2+) (0.1 mM), suggesting a common binding site for the Cd(2+) and proton effect on activation and separable effects of protons on activation and deactivation. Mutational analysis confirmed that D509 plays a critical role in the pH dependence of activation, as shown previously, and that cooperative actions involving D456 and D460 are also required. Importantly, neutralization of all three acidic residues abolished the proton-induced shift of activation, suggesting that the metal ion binding pocket alone accounts for the effects of protons on hERG channel activation. Voltage-clamp fluorimetry measurements demonstrated that protons shifted the voltage dependence of S4 movement to more depolarized potentials. The data indicate a site and mechanism of action for protons on hERG activation gating; protonation of D456, D460 and D509 disrupts interactions between these residues and S4 gating charges to destabilize the activated configuration of S4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Patrick Shi
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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23
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Goodchild SJ, Fedida D. Gating charge movement precedes ionic current activation in hERG channels. Channels (Austin) 2013; 8:84-9. [PMID: 24126078 PMCID: PMC4048346 DOI: 10.4161/chan.26775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently reported gating currents recorded from hERG channels expressed in mammalian TSA cells and assessed the kinetics at different voltages. We detected 2 distinct components of charge movement with the bulk of the charge being carried by a slower component. Here we compare our findings in TSA cells with recordings made from oocytes using the Cut Open Vaseline Gap clamp (COVG) and go on to directly compare activation of gating charge and ionic currents at 0 and +60 mV. The data show that gating charge saturates and moves more rapidly than ionic current activates suggesting a transition downstream from the movement of the bulk of gating charge is rate limiting for channel opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Goodchild
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics; University of British Columbia; Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - David Fedida
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics; University of British Columbia; Vancouver, BC Canada
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24
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Dou Y, Goodchild SJ, Velde RV, Wu Y, Fedida D. The neutral, hydrophobic isoleucine at position I521 in the extracellular S4 domain of hERG contributes to channel gating equilibrium. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2013; 305:C468-78. [PMID: 23761630 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00147.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The human ether-a-go-go related (hERG) potassium channel has unusual functional characteristics in that the rates of channel activation and deactivation are much slower than inactivation, which is attributed to specific structural elements within the NH2 terminus and the S1-S4 voltage-sensing domains (VSD). Although the charged residues in the VSD have been extensively modified and mutated as a result, the role and importance of specific hydrophobic residues in the S4 has been much less explored in studies of hERG gating. We found that charged, but not neutral or hydrophobic, amino acid substitution of isoleucine 521 at the outer end of the S4 transmembrane domain resulted in channels activating at much more negative voltages associated with a marked hyperpolarization of the conductance-voltage (G-V) relationship. The contributions of different physicochemical properties to this effect were probed by chemical modification of channels substituted with cysteine at position I521. When positively charged reagents including tetramethyl-rhodamine-5-maleimide (TMRM), 1-(2-maleimidylethyl)-4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)oxazol-2-yl] pyridinium methane-sulfonate (PyMPO), [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl] methanethiosulfonate chloride (MTSET), and 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate hydrobromide (MTSEA) were bound to the cysteine, I521C channels activated at more negative membrane potentials. To examine the contributions to hERG gating of other residues at the outer end of S4 (520-528), we performed a cysteine scan combined with MTSET modification. Only L520C, along with I521C, shows a substantial hyperpolarizing shift of the G-V relationship upon MTSET modification. The data indicate that the neutral, hydrophobic residue I521 at the extracellular end of S4 is critical for stabilizing the closed conformation of the hERG channel relative to the open state and by comparison with Shaker supports the alignment of hERG I521 with Shaker L361.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Dou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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25
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Colenso CK, Sessions RB, Zhang YH, Hancox JC, Dempsey CE. Interactions between voltage sensor and pore domains in a hERG K+ channel model from molecular simulations and the effects of a voltage sensor mutation. J Chem Inf Model 2013; 53:1358-70. [PMID: 23672495 DOI: 10.1021/ci4000739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The hERG K(+) channel is important for establishing normal electrical activity in the human heart. The channel's unique gating response to membrane potential changes indicates specific interactions between voltage sensor and pore domains that are poorly understood. In the absence of a crystal structure we constructed a homology model of the full hERG membrane domain and performed 0.5 μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in a hydrated membrane. The simulations identify potential interactions involving residues at the extracellular surface of S1 in the voltage sensor and at the N-terminal end of the pore helix in the hERG model. In addition, a diffuse interface involving hydrophobic residues on S4 (voltage sensor) and pore domain S5 of an adjacent subunit was stable during 0.5 μs of simulation. To assess the ability of the model to give insight into the effects of channel mutation we simulated a hERG mutant that contains a Leu to Pro substitution in the voltage sensor S4 helical segment (hERG L532P). Consistent with the retention of gated K(+) conductance, the L532P mutation was accommodated in the S4 helix with little disruption of helical structure. The mutation reduced the extent of interaction across the S4-S5 interface, suggesting a structural basis for the greatly enhanced deactivation rate in hERG L532P. The study indicates that pairwise comparison of wild-type and mutated channel models is a useful approach to interpreting functional data where uncertainty in model structures exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte K Colenso
- School of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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26
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Islas LD. The electric heart of hERG. J Gen Physiol 2013; 141:409-11. [PMID: 23478994 PMCID: PMC3607827 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201310973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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27
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Wang Z, Dou Y, Goodchild SJ, Es-Salah-Lamoureux Z, Fedida D. Components of gating charge movement and S4 voltage-sensor exposure during activation of hERG channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 141:431-43. [PMID: 23478995 PMCID: PMC3607828 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201210942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The human ether-á-go-go–related gene (hERG) K+ channel encodes the pore-forming α subunit of the rapid delayed rectifier current, IKr, and has unique activation gating kinetics, in that the α subunit of the channel activates and deactivates very slowly, which focuses the role of IKr current to a critical period during action potential repolarization in the heart. Despite its physiological importance, fundamental mechanistic properties of hERG channel activation gating remain unclear, including how voltage-sensor movement rate limits pore opening. Here, we study this directly by recording voltage-sensor domain currents in mammalian cells for the first time and measuring the rates of voltage-sensor modification by [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl] methanethiosulfonate chloride (MTSET). Gating currents recorded from hERG channels expressed in mammalian tsA201 cells using low resistance pipettes show two charge systems, defined as Q1 and Q2, with V1/2’s of −55.7 (equivalent charge, z = 1.60) and −54.2 mV (z = 1.30), respectively, with the Q2 charge system carrying approximately two thirds of the overall gating charge. The time constants for charge movement at 0 mV were 2.5 and 36.2 ms for Q1 and Q2, decreasing to 4.3 ms for Q2 at +60 mV, an order of magnitude faster than the time constants of ionic current appearance at these potentials. The voltage and time dependence of Q2 movement closely correlated with the rate of MTSET modification of I521C in the outermost region of the S4 segment, which had a V1/2 of −64 mV and time constants of 36 ± 8.5 ms and 11.6 ± 6.3 ms at 0 and +60 mV, respectively. Modeling of Q1 and Q2 charge systems showed that a minimal scheme of three transitions is sufficient to account for the experimental findings. These data point to activation steps further downstream of voltage-sensor movement that provide the major delays to pore opening in hERG channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuren Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Abderemane-Ali F, Es-Salah-Lamoureux Z, Delemotte L, Kasimova MA, Labro AJ, Snyders DJ, Fedida D, Tarek M, Baró I, Loussouarn G. Dual effect of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate PIP(2) on Shaker K(+) [corrected] channels. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:36158-67. [PMID: 22932893 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.382085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) is a phospholipid of the plasma membrane that has been shown to be a key regulator of several ion channels. Functional studies and more recently structural studies of Kir channels have revealed the major impact of PIP(2) on the open state stabilization. A similar effect of PIP(2) on the delayed rectifiers Kv7.1 and Kv11.1, two voltage-gated K(+) channels, has been suggested, but the molecular mechanism remains elusive and nothing is known on PIP(2) effect on other Kv such as those of the Shaker family. By combining giant-patch ionic and gating current recordings in COS-7 cells, and voltage-clamp fluorimetry in Xenopus oocytes, both heterologously expressing the voltage-dependent Shaker channel, we show that PIP(2) exerts 1) a gain-of-function effect on the maximal current amplitude, consistent with a stabilization of the open state and 2) a loss-of-function effect by positive-shifting the activation voltage dependence, most likely through a direct effect on the voltage sensor movement, as illustrated by molecular dynamics simulations.
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Abstract
The multifunctional protein ß-catenin governs as transcription factor the expression of a wide variety of genes relevant for cell proliferation and cell survival. In addition, ß-catenin is localized at the cell membrane and may influence the function of channels. The present study explored the possibility that ß-catenin participates in the regulation of the HERG K+ channel. To this end, HERG was expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without ß-catenin and the voltage-gated current determined utilizing the dual electrode voltage clamp. As a result, expression of ß-catenin markedly upregulated HERG channel activity, an effect not sensitive to inhibition of transcription with actinomycin D (10 µM). According to chemiluminescence, ß-catenin may increase HERG channel abundance within the oocyte cell membrane. Following inhibition of channel insertion into the cell membrane by brefeldin A (5 µM) the decay of current was similar in oocytes expressing HERG together with ß-catenin to oocytes expressing HERG alone. The experiments uncover a novel function of APC/ß-catenin, i.e. the regulation of HERG channels.
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Vandenberg JI, Perry MD, Perrin MJ, Mann SA, Ke Y, Hill AP. hERG K+ Channels: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:1393-478. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ channel, Kv11.1, which are expressed in the heart, various brain regions, smooth muscle cells, endocrine cells, and a wide range of tumor cell lines. However, it is the role that Kv11.1 channels play in the heart that has been best characterized, for two main reasons. First, it is the gene product involved in chromosome 7-associated long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited disorder associated with a markedly increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Second, blockade of Kv11.1, by a wide range of prescription medications, causes drug-induced QT prolongation with an increase in risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In the first part of this review, the properties of Kv11.1 channels, including biogenesis, trafficking, gating, and pharmacology are discussed, while the second part focuses on the pathophysiology of Kv11.1 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie I. Vandenberg
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Matthew D. Perry
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mark J. Perrin
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stefan A. Mann
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ying Ke
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Adam P. Hill
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Programme in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; and University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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Cheng YM, Claydon TW. Voltage-dependent gating of HERG potassium channels. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:83. [PMID: 22586397 PMCID: PMC3347040 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which voltage-gated channels sense changes in membrane voltage and energetically couple this with opening of the ion conducting pore has been the source of significant interest. In voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, much of our knowledge in this area comes from Shaker-type channels, for which voltage-dependent gating is quite rapid. In these channels, activation and deactivation are associated with rapid reconfiguration of the voltage-sensing domain unit that is electromechanically coupled, via the S4-S5 linker helix, to the rate-limiting opening of an intracellular pore gate. However, fast voltage-dependent gating kinetics are not typical of all Kv channels, such as Kv11.1 (human ether-à-go-go related gene, hERG), which activates and deactivates very slowly. Compared to Shaker channels, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying slow hERG gating is much poorer. Here, we present a comparative review of the structure-function relationships underlying activation and deactivation gating in Shaker and hERG channels, with a focus on the roles of the voltage-sensing domain and the S4-S5 linker that couples voltage sensor movements to the pore. Measurements of gating current kinetics and fluorimetric analysis of voltage sensor movement are consistent with models suggesting that the hERG activation pathway contains a voltage independent step, which limits voltage sensor transitions. Constraints upon hERG voltage sensor movement may result from loose packing of the S4 helices and additional intra-voltage sensor counter-charge interactions. More recent data suggest that key amino acid differences in the hERG voltage-sensing unit and S4-S5 linker, relative to fast activating Shaker-type Kv channels, may also contribute to the increased stability of the resting state of the voltage sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen May Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
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32
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Es-Salah-Lamoureux Z, Xiong PY, Goodchild SJ, Ahern CA, Fedida D. Blockade of permeation by potassium but normal gating of the G628S nonconducting hERG channel mutant. Biophys J 2011; 101:662-70. [PMID: 21806934 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2011] [Revised: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
G628S is a mutation in the signature sequence that forms the selectivity filter of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel (GFG) and is associated with long-QT2 syndrome. G628S channels are known to have a dominant-negative effect on hERG currents, and the mutant is therefore thought to be nonfunctional. This study aims to assess the physiological mechanism that prevents the surface-expressing G628S channels from conducting ions. We used voltage-clamp fluorimetry along with two-microelectrode voltage clamping in Xenopus oocytes to confirm that the channels express well at the surface, and to show that they are actually functional, with activation kinetics comparable to that of wild-type, and that the mutation leads to a reduced selectivity to potassium. Although ionic currents are not detected in physiological solutions, removing extracellular K(+) results in the appearance of an inward Na(+)-dependent current. Using whole-cell patch clamp in mammalian transfected cells, we demonstrate that the G628S channels conduct Na(+), but that this can be blocked by both intracellular and higher-than-physiological extracellular K(+). Using solutions devoid of K(+) allows the appearance of nA-sized Na(+) currents with activation and inactivation gating analogous to wild-type channels. The G628S channels are functionally conducting but are normally blocked by intracellular K(+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeineb Es-Salah-Lamoureux
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Fougere RR, Es-Salah-Lamoureux Z, Rezazadeh S, Eldstrom J, Fedida D. Functional characterization of the LQT2-causing mutation R582C and the associated voltage-dependent fluorescence signal. Heart Rhythm 2011; 8:1273-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2011.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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34
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Van Slyke AC, Rezazadeh S, Snopkowski M, Shi P, Allard CR, Claydon TW. Mutations within the S4-S5 linker alter voltage sensor constraints in hERG K+ channels. Biophys J 2011; 99:2841-52. [PMID: 21044581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) channel gating is associated with slow activation, yet the mechanistic basis for this is unclear. Here, we examine the effects of mutation of a unique glycine residue (G546) in the S4-S5 linker on voltage sensor movement and its coupling to pore gating. Substitution of G546 with residues possessing different physicochemical properties shifted activation gating by ∼-50 mV (with the exception of G546C). With the activation shift taken into account, the time constant of activation was also accelerated, suggesting a stabilization of the closed state by ∼1.6-4.3 kcal/mol (the energy equivalent of one to two hydrogen bonds). Predictions of the α-helical content of the S4-S5 linker suggest that the presence of G546 in wild-type hERG provides flexibility to the helix. Deactivation gating was affected differentially by the G546 substitutions. G546V induced a pronounced slow component of closing that was voltage-independent. Fluorescence measurements of voltage sensor movement in G546V revealed a slow component of voltage sensor return that was uncoupled from charge movement, suggesting a direct effect of the mutation on voltage sensor movement. These data suggest that G546 plays a critical role in channel gating and that hERG channel closing involves at least two independently modifiable reconfigurations of the voltage sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Van Slyke
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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