scholarly journals Inhibition of the Collapse of the Shaker K+ Conductance by Specific Scorpion Toxins

2004 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Froylan Gómez-Lagunas ◽  
Cesar V.F. Batista ◽  
Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal ◽  
Martha E. Ramírez-Domínguez ◽  
Lourival D. Possani
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
Selectivity Filter ◽  
Channel Block ◽  
Scorpion Toxins ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Outer Vestibule ◽  
Plausible Model ◽  
K Current ◽  
Do So ◽  
External K

The Shaker B K+ conductance (GK) collapses when the channels are closed (deactivated) in Na+ solutions that lack K+ ions. Also, it is known that external TEA (TEAo) impedes the collapse of GK (Gómez-Lagunas, F. 1997. J. Physiol. 499:3–15; Gómez-Lagunas, F. 2001. J. Gen. Physiol. 118:639–648), and that channel block by TEAo and scorpion toxins are two mutually exclusive events (Goldstein, S.A.N., and C. Miller. 1993. Biophys. J. 65:1613–1619). Therefore, we tested the ability of scorpion toxins to inhibit the collapse of GK in 0 K+. We have found that these toxins are not uniform regarding the capacity to protect GK. Those toxins, whose binding to the channels is destabilized by external K+, are also effective inhibitors of the collapse of GK. In addition to K+, other externally added cations also destabilize toxin block, with an effectiveness that does not match the selectivity sequence of K+ channels. The inhibition of the drop of GK follows a saturation relationship with [toxin], which is fitted well by the Michaelis-Menten equation, with an apparent Kd bigger than that of block of the K+ current. However, another plausible model is also presented and compared with the Michaelis-Menten model. The observations suggest that those toxins that protect GK in 0 K+ do so by interacting either with the most external K+ binding site of the selectivity filter (suggesting that the K+ occupancy of only that site of the pore may be enough to preserve GK) or with sites capable of binding K+ located in the outer vestibule of the pore, above the selectivity filter.

scholarly journals Influence of Pore Residues on Permeation Properties in the Kv2.1 Potassium Channel. Evidence for a Selective Functional Interaction of K+ with the Outer Vestibule

2003 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph F. Consiglio ◽  
Payam Andalib ◽  
Stephen J. Korn
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Channel ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Selectivity Filter ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Local Energy Minimum ◽  
Current Magnitude ◽  
Outer Vestibule ◽  
Permeation Properties

The Kv2.1 potassium channel contains a lysine in the outer vestibule (position 356) that markedly reduces open channel sensitivity to changes in external [K+]. To investigate the mechanism underlying this effect, we examined the influence of this outer vestibule lysine on three measures of K+ and Na+ permeation. Permeability ratio measurements, measurements of the lowest [K+] required for interaction with the selectivity filter, and measurements of macroscopic K+ and Na+ conductance, were all consistent with the same conclusion: that the outer vestibule lysine in Kv2.1 interferes with the ability of K+ to enter or exit the extracellular side of the selectivity filter. In contrast to its influence on K+ permeation properties, Lys 356 appeared to be without effect on Na+ permeation. This suggests that Lys 356 limited K+ flux by interfering with a selective K+ binding site. Combined with permeation studies, results from additional mutagenesis near the external entrance to the selectivity filter indicated that this site was located external to, and independent from, the selectivity filter. Protonation of a naturally occurring histidine in the same outer vestibule location in the Kv1.5 potassium channel produced similar effects on K+ permeation properties. Together, these results indicate that a selective, functional K+ binding site (e.g., local energy minimum) exists in the outer vestibule of voltage-gated K+ channels. We suggest that this site is the location of K+ hydration/dehydration postulated to exist based on the structural studies of KcsA. Finally, neutralization of position 356 enhanced outward K+ current magnitude, but did not influence the ability of internal K+ to enter the pore. These data indicate that in Kv2.1, exit of K+ from the selectivity filter, rather than entry of internal K+ into the channel, limits outward current magnitude. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to the structural basis of channel conductance in different K+ channels.

Stereoselectivity of Bupivacaine in Local Anesthetic–sensitive Ion Channels of Peripheral Nerve 

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 786-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Nau ◽  
Werner Vogel ◽  
Gunter Hempelmann ◽  
Michael E. Bräu
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Local Anesthetic ◽  
Rate Constants ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Block ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Ic50 Values

Background The local anesthetic bupivacaine exists in two stereoisomeric forms, R(+)- and S(-)-bupivacaine. Because of its lower cardiac and central nervous system toxicity, attempts were made recently to introduce S(-)-bupivacaine into clinical anesthesia. We investigated stereoselective actions of R(+)-and S(-)-bupivacaine toward two local anesthetic-sensitive ion channels in peripheral nerve, the Na+ and the flicker K+ channel. Methods In patch-clamp experiments on enzymatically demyelinated peripheral amphibian nerve fibers, Na+ and flicker K+ channels were investigated in outside-out patches. Half-maximum inhibiting concentrations (IC50) were determined. For the flicker K+ channel, simultaneous block by R(+)-bupivacaine and S(-)-bupivacaine was analyzed for competition and association (k1) and dissociation rate constants (k(-1)) were determined. Results Both channels were reversibly blocked by R(+)- and S(-)-bupivacaine. The IC50 values (+/- SEM) for tonic Na+ channel block were 29+/-3 microM and 44+/-3 microM, respectively. IC50 values for flicker K+ channel block were 0.15+/-0.02 microM and 11+/-1 microM, respectively, resulting in a high stereopotency ratio (+/-) of 73. Simultaneously applied enantiomers competed for a single binding site. Rate constants k1 and k(-1) were 0.83+/-0.13x10(6) M(-1) x S(-1) and 0.13+/-0.03 s(-1), respectively, for R(+)-bupivacaine and 1.90+/-0.20x10(6) M(-1) x s(-1) and 8.3+/-1.0 s(-1), respectively, for S(-)-bupivacaine. Conclusions Bupivacaine block of Na+ channels shows no salient stereoselectivity. Block of flicker K+ channels has the highest stereoselectivity ratio of bupivacaine action known so far. This stereoselectivity derives predominantly from a difference in k(-1), suggesting a tight fit between R(+)-bupivacaine and the binding site. The flicker K+ channel may play an important role in yet unknown toxic mechanisms of R(+)-bupivacaine.

scholarly journals Control of Outer Vestibule Dynamics and Current Magnitude in the Kv2.1 Potassium Channel

2002 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Payam Andalib ◽  
Michael J. Wood ◽  
Stephen J. Korn
Keyword(s):  
Driving Force ◽  
Membrane Potentials ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Current Magnitude ◽  
Outer Vestibule ◽  
Activated State ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
K Current ◽  
Dependent Processes ◽  
External K

In Kv2.1 potassium channels, changes in external [K+] modulate current magnitude as a result of a K+-dependent interconversion between two outer vestibule conformations. Previous evidence indicated that outer vestibule conformation (and thus current magnitude) is regulated by the occupancy of a selectivity filter binding site by K+. In this paper, we used the change in current magnitude as an assay to study how the interconversion between outer vestibule conformations is controlled. With 100 mM internal K+, rapid elevation of external [K+] from 0 to 10 mM while channels were activated produced no change in current magnitude (outer vestibule conformation did not change). When channels were subsequently closed and reopened in the presence of elevated [K+], current magnitude was increased (outer vestibule conformation had changed). When channels were activated in the presence of low internal [K+], or when K+ flow into conducting channels was transiently interrupted by an internal channel blocker, increasing external [K+] during activation did increase current magnitude (channel conformation did change). These data indicate that, when channels are in the activated state under physiological conditions, the outer vestibule conformation remains fixed despite changes in external [K+]. In contrast, when channel occupancy is lowered, (by channel closing, an internal blocker or low internal [K+]), the outer vestibule can interconvert between the two conformations. We discuss evidence that the ability of the outer vestibule conformation to change is regulated by the occupancy of a nonselectivity filter site by K+. Independent of the outer vestibule-based potentiation mechanism, Kv2.1 was remarkably insensitive to K+-dependent processes that influence current magnitude (current magnitude changed by <7% at membrane potentials between −20 and 30 mV). Replacement of two outer vestibule lysines in Kv2.1 by smaller neutral amino acids made current magnitude dramatically more sensitive to the reduction in K+ driving force (current magnitude changed by as much as 40%). When combined, these outer vestibule properties (fixed conformation during activation and the presence of lysines) all but prevent variation in Kv2.1 current magnitude when [K+] changes during activation. Moreover, the insensitivity of Kv2.1 current magnitude to changes in K+ driving force promotes a more uniform modulation of current over a wide range of membrane potentials by the K+-dependent regulation of outer vestibule conformation.

scholarly journals Ion–Ion Interactions at the Selectivity Filter

2000 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Immke ◽  
Stephen J. Korn
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Selectivity Filter ◽  
Na Current ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Ion Interactions ◽  
High Affinity Site ◽  
Maximal Block ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
External K

In the Kv2.1 potassium channel, binding of K+ to a high-affinity site associated with the selectivity filter modulates channel sensitivity to external TEA. In channels carrying Na+ current, K+ interacts with the TEA modulation site at concentrations ≤30 μM. In this paper, we further characterized the TEA modulation site and examined how varying K+ occupancy of the pore influenced the interaction of K+ with this site. In the presence of high internal and external [K+], TEA blocked 100% of current with an IC50 of 1.9 ± 0.2 mM. In the absence of a substitute permeating ion, such as Na+, reducing access of K+ to the pore resulted in a reduction of TEA efficacy, but produced little or no change in TEA potency (under conditions in which maximal block by TEA was just 32%, the IC50 for block was 2.0 ± 0.6 mM). The all-or-none nature of TEA block (channels were either completely sensitive or completely insensitive), indicated that one selectivity filter binding site must be occupied for TEA sensitivity, and that one selectivity filter binding site is not involved in modulating TEA sensitivity. At three different levels of K+ occupancy, achieved by manipulating access of internal K+ to the pore, elevation of external [K+] shifted channels from a TEA-insensitive to -sensitive state with an EC50 of ∼10 mM. Combined with previous results, these data demonstrate that the TEA modulation site has a high affinity for K+ when only one K+ is in the pore and a low affinity for K+ when the pore is already occupied by K+. These results indicate that ion–ion interactions occur at the selectivity filter. These results also suggest that the selectivity filter is the site of at least one low affinity modulatory effect of external K+, and that the selectivity filter K+ binding sites are not functionally interchangeable.

scholarly journals Unitary K+ Currents in Growth Cones and Perikaryon of Identified Helix Neurones in Culture

1990 ◽  
Vol 149 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-94
Author(s):  
K. A. GREEN ◽  
G. B. POWELL ◽  
A. COTTRELL
Keyword(s):  
Growth Cones ◽  
Resting Potential ◽  
Channel Block ◽  
Sensory Neurones ◽  
K Channels ◽  
K Current ◽  
The Mean ◽  
K Concentration ◽  
K Currents

Unitary potassium (K+) currents of several different conductances have been recorded from the growth cones of isolated Cl neurones from Helix aspersa. The isolated neurones were maintained in culture for up to 1 week. Similar unitary currents were recorded in the growth cones of other isolated Helix neurones. The activity of one type of unitary K+ current recorded from the growth cones of the Cl neurone and other neurones was very similar to that described for the S-channel of the perikarya of Aplysia sensory neurones. Another type of unitary K+ current showed fast flickering and reduced amplitude when the membrane was held at large positive potentials, which is suggestive of channel block by some agent. The conductances of the K+ channels in the growth cones of isolated Cl neurones were generally smaller than those recorded in this and in previous studies from the perikarya of Cl neurones in situ. However, unitary K+ currents recorded from the perikaryon of the Cl neurone, and from other identified neurones, in culture also had lower conductances than those recorded in situ. The mean resting potential of the isolated neurones was smaller than those from neurones in situ. This and other results suggested that reduced intracellular K+ concentration in the isolated neurones might be an important factor in deciding the conductance of the recorded channels.

scholarly journals External TEA Block of Shaker K+ Channels Is Coupled to the Movement of K+ Ions within the Selectivity Filter

2003 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Thompson ◽  
Ted Begenisich
Keyword(s):  
Electric Field ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Voltage Dependence ◽  
Internal Surface ◽  
Selectivity Filter ◽  
Dynamic Simulations ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Electrostatic Calculations ◽  
Average Position

Recent molecular dynamic simulations and electrostatic calculations suggested that the external TEA binding site in K+ channels is outside the membrane electric field. However, it has been known for some time that external TEA block of Shaker K+ channels is voltage dependent. To reconcile these two results, we reexamined the voltage dependence of block of Shaker K+ channels by external TEA. We found that the voltage dependence of TEA block all but disappeared in solutions in which K+ ions were replaced by Rb+. These and other results with various concentrations of internal K+ and Rb+ ions suggest that the external TEA binding site is not within the membrane electric field and that the voltage dependence of TEA block in K+ solutions arises through a coupling with the movement of K+ ions through part of the membrane electric field. Our results suggest that external TEA block is coupled to two opposing voltage-dependent movements of K+ ions in the pore: (a) an inward shift of the average position of ions in the selectivity filter equivalent to a single ion moving ∼37% into the pore from the external surface; and (b) a movement of internal K+ ions into a vestibule binding site located ∼13% into the membrane electric field measured from the internal surface. The minimal voltage dependence of external TEA block in Rb+ solutions results from a minimal occupancy of the vestibule site by Rb+ ions and because the energy profile of the selectivity filter favors a more inward distribution of Rb+ occupancy.

scholarly journals Voltage-dependent inactivation gating at the selectivity filter of the MthK K+ channel

2010 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
pp. 569-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Thomson ◽  
Brad S. Rothberg
Keyword(s):  
Voltage Sensor ◽  
Selectivity Filter ◽  
K Channel ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Inactivation Gating ◽  
External K ◽  
Conductive State

Voltage-dependent K+ channels can undergo a gating process known as C-type inactivation, which involves entry into a nonconducting state through conformational changes near the channel’s selectivity filter. C-type inactivation may involve movements of transmembrane voltage sensor domains, although the mechanisms underlying this form of inactivation may be heterogeneous and are often unclear. Here, we report on a form of voltage-dependent inactivation gating observed in MthK, a prokaryotic K+ channel that lacks a canonical voltage sensor and may thus provide a reduced system to inform on mechanism. In single-channel recordings, we observe that Po decreases with depolarization, with a half-maximal voltage of 96 ± 3 mV. This gating is kinetically distinct from blockade by internal Ca2+ or Ba2+, suggesting that it may arise from an intrinsic inactivation mechanism. Inactivation gating was shifted toward more positive voltages by increasing external [K+] (47 mV per 10-fold increase in [K+]), suggesting that K+ binding at the extracellular side of the channel stabilizes the open-conductive state. The open-conductive state was stabilized by other external cations, and selectivity of the stabilizing site followed the sequence: K+ ≈ Rb+ > Cs+ > Na+ > Li+ ≈ NMG+. Selectivity of the stabilizing site is weaker than that of sites that determine permeability of these ions, suggesting that the site may lie toward the external end of the MthK selectivity filter. We could describe MthK gating over a wide range of positive voltages and external [K+] using kinetic schemes in which the open-conductive state is stabilized by K+ binding to a site that is not deep within the electric field, with the voltage dependence of inactivation arising from both voltage-dependent K+ dissociation and transitions between nonconducting (inactivated) states. These results provide a quantitative working hypothesis for voltage-dependent, K+-sensitive inactivation gating, a property that may be common to other K+ channels.

Ion–peptide interactions between alkali metal ions and a termini-protected dipeptide: modeling a portion of the selectivity filter in K+ channels

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 561-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shun-ichi Ishiuchi ◽  
Yuta Sasaki ◽  
James M. Lisy ◽  
Masaaki Fujii
Keyword(s):  
Alkali Metal ◽  
Metal Ions ◽  
Selectivity Filter ◽  
Alkali Metal Ions ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Peptide Interactions

Differentiating K+ and Na+ binding patterns in peptide sequences.

scholarly journals Probing the Cavity of the Slow Inactivated Conformation of Shaker Potassium Channels

2007 ◽  
Vol 129 (5) ◽  
pp. 403-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyorgy Panyi ◽  
Carol Deutsch
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Channels ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Conformational Change ◽  
Marked Decrease ◽  
Selectivity Filter ◽  
Slow Inactivation ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Activation Gate ◽  
Shaker Potassium Channels

Slow inactivation involves a local rearrangement of the outer mouth of voltage-gated potassium channels, but nothing is known regarding rearrangements in the cavity between the activation gate and the selectivity filter. We now report that the cavity undergoes a conformational change in the slow-inactivated state. This change is manifest as altered accessibility of residues facing the aqueous cavity and as a marked decrease in the affinity of tetraethylammonium for its internal binding site. These findings have implications for global alterations of the channel during slow inactivation and putative coupling between activation and slow-inactivation gates.

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