scholarly journals Molecular Coupling of S4 to a K+ Channel's Slow Inactivation Gate

2000 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eli Loots ◽  
Ehud Y. Isacoff
Keyword(s):  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Slow Inactivation ◽  
Domain Interaction ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Molecular Gates ◽  
Voltage Sensing Domain ◽  
Pore Domain ◽  
Bond Disruption

The mechanism by which physiological signals regulate the conformation of molecular gates that open and close ion channels is poorly understood. Voltage clamp fluorometry was used to ask how the voltage-sensing S4 transmembrane domain is coupled to the slow inactivation gate in the pore domain of the Shaker K+ channel. Fluorophores attached at several sites in S4 indicate that the voltage-sensing rearrangements are followed by an additional inactivation motion. Fluorophores attached at the perimeter of the pore domain indicate that the inactivation rearrangement projects from the selectivity filter out to the interface with the voltage-sensing domain. Some of the pore domain sites also sense activation, and this appears to be due to a direct interaction with S4 based on the finding that S4 comes into close enough proximity to the pore domain for a pore mutation to alter the nanoenvironment of an S4-attached fluorophore. We propose that activation produces an S4–pore domain interaction that disrupts a bond between the S4 contact site on the pore domain and the outer end of S6. Our results indicate that this bond holds the slow inactivation gate open and, therefore, we propose that this S4-induced bond disruption triggers inactivation.

scholarly journals Upgraded molecular models of the human KCNQ1 potassium channel

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georg Kuenze ◽  
Amanda M. Duran ◽  
Hope Woods ◽  
Kathryn R. Brewer ◽  
Eli Fritz McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Voltage Sensor ◽  
Cardiac Action Potential ◽  
Molecular Models ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Cardiac Action ◽  
Electrical Impulses ◽  
Voltage Sensing Domain ◽  
Pore Domain

AbstractThe voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ1 (KV7.1) assembles with the KCNE1 accessory protein to generate the slow delayed rectifier current, IKS, which is critical for membrane repolarization as part of the cardiac action potential. Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in KCNQ1 are the most common cause of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), type 1 LQTS, an inherited genetic predisposition to cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. A detailed structural understanding of KCNQ1 is needed to elucidate the molecular basis for KCNQ1 LOF in disease and to enable structure-guided design of new anti-arrhythmic drugs. In this work, advanced structural models of human KCNQ1 in the resting/closed and activated/open states were developed by Rosetta homology modeling guided by newly available experimentally-based templates: X. leavis KCNQ1 and resting voltage sensor structures. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the models’ capability to describe experimentally established channel properties including state-dependent voltage sensor gating charge interactions and pore conformations, PIP2 binding sites, and voltage sensor – pore domain interactions were validated. Rosetta energy calculations were applied to assess the models’ utility in interpreting mutation-evoked KCNQ1 dysfunction by predicting the change in protein thermodynamic stability for 50 characterized KCNQ1 variants with mutations located in the voltage-sensing domain. Energetic destabilization was successfully predicted for folding-defective KCNQ1 LOF mutants whereas wild type-like mutants had no significant energetic frustrations, which supports growing evidence that mutation-induced protein destabilization is an especially common cause of KCNQ1 dysfunction. The new KCNQ1 Rosetta models provide helpful tools in the study of the structural mechanisms of KCNQ1 function and can be used to generate structure-based hypotheses to explain KCNQ1 dysfunction.Author SummaryCardiac rhythm is maintained by synchronized electrical impulses conducted throughout the heart. The potassium ion channel KCNQ1 is important for the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential that underlies these electrical impulses. Heritable mutations in KCNQ1 can lead to channel loss-of-function (LOF) and predisposition to a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of KCNQ1 is important to understand how mutations lead to LOF and to support structurally-guided design of new anti-arrhythmic drugs. In this work, we present the development and validation of molecular models of human KCNQ1 inferred by homology from the structure of frog KCNQ1. Models were developed for the open channel state in which potassium ions can pass through the channel and the closed state in which the channel is not conductive. Using molecular dynamics simulations, interactions in the voltage-sensing and pore domain of KCNQ1 and with the membrane lipid PIP2 were analyzed. Energy calculations for KCNQ1 mutations in the voltage-sensing domain reveled that most of the mutations that lead to LOF cause energetic destabilization of the KCNQ1 protein. The results support both the utility of the new models and growing evidence that mutation-induced protein destabilization is a common cause of KCNQ1 dysfunction.

scholarly journals α-Helical Structural Elements within the Voltage-Sensing Domains of a K+ Channel

1999 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingying Li-Smerin ◽  
David H. Hackos ◽  
Kenton J. Swartz
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Structure ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Tertiary Structures ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Transmembrane Segments ◽  
Membrane Spanning ◽  
Pore Domain

Voltage-gated K+ channels are tetramers with each subunit containing six (S1–S6) putative membrane spanning segments. The fifth through sixth transmembrane segments (S5–S6) from each of four subunits assemble to form a central pore domain. A growing body of evidence suggests that the first four segments (S1–S4) comprise a domain-like voltage-sensing structure. While the topology of this region is reasonably well defined, the secondary and tertiary structures of these transmembrane segments are not. To explore the secondary structure of the voltage-sensing domains, we used alanine-scanning mutagenesis through the region encompassing the first four transmembrane segments in the drk1 voltage-gated K+ channel. We examined the mutation-induced perturbation in gating free energy for periodicity characteristic of α-helices. Our results are consistent with at least portions of S1, S2, S3, and S4 adopting α-helical secondary structure. In addition, both the S1–S2 and S3–S4 linkers exhibited substantial helical character. The distribution of gating perturbations for S1 and S2 suggest that these two helices interact primarily with two environments. In contrast, the distribution of perturbations for S3 and S4 were more complex, suggesting that the latter two helices make more extensive protein contacts, possibly interfacing directly with the shell of the pore domain.

scholarly journals The voltage-sensing domain of a phosphatase gates the pore of a potassium channel

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Arrigoni ◽  
Indra Schroeder ◽  
Giulia Romani ◽  
James L. Van Etten ◽  
Gerhard Thiel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electromechanical Coupling ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Modular Architecture ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Mode Shift ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Kv Channels ◽  
Pore Properties ◽  
Voltage Sensing Domain

The modular architecture of voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels suggests that they resulted from the fusion of a voltage-sensing domain (VSD) to a pore module. Here, we show that the VSD of Ciona intestinalis phosphatase (Ci-VSP) fused to the viral channel Kcv creates KvSynth1, a functional voltage-gated, outwardly rectifying K+ channel. KvSynth1 displays the summed features of its individual components: pore properties of Kcv (selectivity and filter gating) and voltage dependence of Ci-VSP (V1/2 = +56 mV; z of ∼1), including the depolarization-induced mode shift. The degree of outward rectification of the channel is critically dependent on the length of the linker more than on its amino acid composition. This highlights a mechanistic role of the linker in transmitting the movement of the sensor to the pore and shows that electromechanical coupling can occur without coevolution of the two domains.

scholarly journals A Localized Interaction Surface for Voltage-Sensing Domains on the Pore Domain of a K+ Channel

Neuron ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 411-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingying Li-Smerin ◽  
David H Hackos ◽  
Kenton J Swartz
Keyword(s):  
K Channel ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Pore Domain ◽  
Interaction Surface

scholarly journals Localization of the ergtoxin-1 receptors on the voltage sensing domain of hERG K+ channel by AFM recognition imaging

2008 ◽  
Vol 456 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilia A. Chtcheglova ◽  
Fatmahan Atalar ◽  
Ugur Ozbek ◽  
Linda Wildling ◽  
Andreas Ebner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
K Channel ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Recognition Imaging ◽  
Voltage Sensing Domain ◽  
Afm Recognition Imaging

scholarly journals A Na+ Channel Mutation Linked to Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis Exposes a Proton-selective Gating Pore

2007 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arie F. Struyk ◽  
Stephen C. Cannon
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Periodic Paralysis ◽  
Proton Leak ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Na Channel ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Ph Homeostasis ◽  
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Voltage Sensing Domain

The heritable muscle disorder hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is characterized by attacks of flaccid weakness, brought on by sustained sarcolemmal depolarization. HypoPP is genetically linked to missense mutations at charged residues in the S4 voltage-sensing segments of either CaV1.1 (the skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel) or NaV1.4 (the skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na+ channel). Although these mutations alter the gating of both channels, these functional defects have proven insufficient to explain the sarcolemmal depolarization in affected muscle. Recent insight into the topology of the S4 voltage-sensing domain has aroused interest in an alternative pathomechanism, wherein HypoPP mutations might generate an aberrant ionic leak conductance by unblocking the putative aqueous crevice (“gating-pore”) in which the S4 segment resides. We tested the rat isoform of NaV1.4 harboring the HypoPP mutation R663H (human R669H ortholog) at the outermost arginine of S4 in domain II for a gating-pore conductance. We found that the mutation R663H permits transmembrane permeation of protons, but not larger cations, similar to the conductance displayed by histidine substitution at Shaker K+ channel S4 sites. These results are consistent with the notion that the outermost charged residue in the DIIS4 segment is simultaneously accessible to the cytoplasmic and extracellular spaces when the voltage sensor is positioned inwardly. The predicted magnitude of this proton leak in mature skeletal muscle is small relative to the resting K+ and Cl− conductances, and is thus not likely to fully account for the aberrant sarcolemmal depolarization underlying the paralytic attacks. Rather, it is possible that a sustained proton leak may contribute to instability of VREST indirectly, for instance, by interfering with intracellular pH homeostasis.

scholarly journals The isolated voltage sensing domain of the Shaker potassium channel forms a voltage-gated cation channel

eLife ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Zhao ◽  
Rikard Blunck
Keyword(s):  
Transmembrane Helix ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Shaker Potassium Channel ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Kv Channel ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Ion Conducting ◽  
Voltage Gated Ion Channels ◽  
Voltage Sensing Domain ◽  
Pore Domain

Domains in macromolecular complexes are often considered structurally and functionally conserved while energetically coupled to each other. In the modular voltage-gated ion channels the central ion-conducting pore is surrounded by four voltage sensing domains (VSDs). Here, the energetic coupling is mediated by interactions between the S4-S5 linker, covalently linking the domains, and the proximal C-terminus. In order to characterize the intrinsic gating of the voltage sensing domain in the absence of the pore domain, the Shaker Kv channel was truncated after the fourth transmembrane helix S4 (Shaker-iVSD). Shaker-iVSD showed significantly altered gating kinetics and formed a cation-selective ion channel with a strong preference for protons. Ion conduction in Shaker-iVSD developed despite identical primary sequence, indicating an allosteric influence of the pore domain. Shaker-iVSD also displays pronounced 'relaxation'. Closing of the pore correlates with entry into relaxation suggesting that the two processes are energetically related.

scholarly journals The Orientation and Molecular Movement of a K+ Channel Voltage-Sensing Domain

Neuron ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris S Gandhi ◽  
Eliana Clark ◽  
Eli Loots ◽  
Arnd Pralle ◽  
Ehud Y Isacoff
Keyword(s):  
K Channel ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Molecular Movement ◽  
Voltage Sensing Domain

scholarly journals Localization of the ATP/Phosphatidylinositol 4,5 Diphosphate-binding Site to a 39-Amino Acid Region of the Carboxyl Terminus of the ATP-regulated K+Channel Kir1.1

2002 ◽  
Vol 277 (51) ◽  
pp. 49366-49373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke Dong ◽  
LieQi Tang ◽  
Gordon G. MacGregor ◽  
Steven C. Hebert
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Terminal Segment ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Atp Binding ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Atp Binding Site ◽  
Arginine Residues

Intracellular ATP and membrane-associated phosphatidylinositol phospholipids, like PIP2(PI(4,5)P2), regulate the activity of ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) and Kir1.1 channels by direct interaction with the pore-forming subunits of these channels. We previously demonstrated direct binding of TNP-ATP (2′,3′-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenylcyclo-hexadienylidene)-ATP) to the COOH-terminal cytosolic domains of the pore-forming subunits of Kir1.1 and Kir6.x channels. In addition, PIP2competed for TNP-ATP binding on the COOH termini of Kir1.1 and Kir6.x channels, providing a mechanism that can account for PIP2antagonism of ATP inhibition of these channels. To localize the ATP-binding site within the COOH terminus of Kir1.1, we produced and purified maltose-binding protein (MBP) fusion proteins containing truncated and/or mutated Kir1.1 COOH termini and examined the binding of TNP-ATP and competition by PIP2. A truncated COOH-terminal fusion protein construct, MBP_1.1CΔC170, containing the first 39 amino acid residues distal to the second transmembrane domain was sufficient to bind TNP-ATP with high affinity. A construct containing the remaining COOH-terminal segment distal to the first 39 amino acid residues did not bind TNP-ATP. Deletion of 5 or more amino acid residues from the NH2-terminal side of the COOH terminus abolished nucleotide binding to the entire COOH terminus or to the first 49 amino acid residues of the COOH terminus. PIP2competed TNP-ATP binding to MBP_1.1CΔC170 with an EC50of 10.9 μm. Mutation of any one of three arginine residues (R188A/E, R203A, and R217A), which are conserved in Kir1.1 and KATPchannels and are involved in ATP and/or PIP2effects on channel activity, dramatically reduced TNP-ATP binding to MBP_1.1ΔC170. In contrast, mutation of a fourth conserved residue (R212A) exhibited slightly enhanced TNP-ATP binding and increased affinity for PIP2competition of TNP-ATP (EC50= 5.7 μm). These studies suggest that the first 39 COOH-terminal amino acid residues form an ATP-PIP2binding domain in Kir1.1 and possibly the Kir6.x ATP-sensitive K+channels.

scholarly journals Localization and Molecular Determinants of the Hanatoxin Receptors on the Voltage-Sensing Domains of a K+ Channel

2000 ◽  
Vol 115 (6) ◽  
pp. 673-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingying Li-Smerin ◽  
Kenton J. Swartz
Keyword(s):  
K Channel ◽  
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis ◽  
Voltage Sensing ◽  
Alanine Scanning ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Physical Location ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
Central Pore ◽  
Pore Domain

Hanatoxin inhibits voltage-gated K+ channels by modifying the energetics of activation. We studied the molecular determinants and physical location of the Hanatoxin receptors on the drk1 voltage-gated K+ channel. First, we made multiple substitutions at three previously identified positions in the COOH terminus of S3 to examine whether these residues interact intimately with the toxin. We also examined a region encompassing S1–S3 using alanine-scanning mutagenesis to identify additional determinants of the toxin receptors. Finally, guided by the structure of the KcsA K+ channel, we explored whether the toxin interacts with the peripheral extracellular surface of the pore domain in the drk1 K+ channel. Our results argue for an intimate interaction between the toxin and the COOH terminus of S3 and suggest that the Hanatoxin receptors are confined within the voltage-sensing domains of the channel, at least 20–25 Å away from the central pore axis.

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