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Transferring knowledge towards understanding the pore stabilizing variations in K+ channels

Pore stability in K+ channels

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Abstract

Recent advances in structural biology underlying mechanisms of channel gating have strengthened our knowledge about how K+ channels can be inter-convertible between conductive and non-conductive states. We have reviewed and combined mutagenesis with biochemical, biophysical and structural information in order to understand the critical roles of the pore residues in stabilizing the pore structure and channel open state. We also discuss how the latest knowledge on the K+ channel KcsA may provide a step towards better understanding of distinct pore stabilizing differences among diversified K+ channels.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Molecular and Systems Medicine, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, 6126 HRIF East, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada

    Mobeen Raja

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 2, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Nick K. Olrichs

  3. STARLAB International GmbH, Ahrensburg, Kurt-Fischer-Straße 22, 22926, Ahrensburg, Germany

    Elisabeth Vales

  4. FB Biology/Chemistry, Applied Genetics of Microorganisms, University Osnabrück, Barbarastr. 13, 49069, Osnabrück, Germany

    Hildgund Schrempf

Authors
  1. Mobeen Raja
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  2. Nick K. Olrichs
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  3. Elisabeth Vales
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  4. Hildgund Schrempf
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mobeen Raja.

Additional information

Mobeen Raja and Hildgund Schrempf equally contributed to the manuscript writing.

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Raja, M., Olrichs, N.K., Vales, E. et al. Transferring knowledge towards understanding the pore stabilizing variations in K+ channels. J Bioenerg Biomembr 44, 199–205 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10863-012-9407-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10863-012-9407-6

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