Article abstract
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 15, 1152 - 1159 (2008)
Published online: 19 October 2008 | doi:10.1038/nsmb.1507
Activation of Slo1 BK channels by Mg2+ coordinated between the voltage sensor and RCK1 domains
Huanghe Yang1, Jingyi Shi1, Guohui Zhang1, Junqiu Yang1, Kelli Delaloye1 & Jianmin Cui1
Abstract
The voltage-sensor domain (VSD) and the ligand sensor (cytoplasmic domain) of BK channels synergistically control channel activities, thereby integrating electrical and chemical signals for cell function. Studies show that intracellular Mg2+ mediates the interaction between these sensory domains to activate the channel through an electrostatic interaction with the VSD. Here we report that Mg2+ binds to a site that consists of amino acid side chains from both the VSD (Asp99 and Asn172) and the cytoplasmic domain (Glu374 and Glu399). For each Mg2+ binding site, the residues in the VSD and those in the cytoplasmic domain come from neighboring subunits. These results suggest that the VSD and the cytoplasmic domains from different subunits may interact during channel gating, and the packing of VSD or the RCK1 domain to the pore in BK channels differ from that in Kv1.2 or MthK channels.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.
Correspondence to: Jianmin Cui1 e-mail: jcui@biomed.wustl.edu
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
NEWS AND VIEWS
Integration of an electric-metal sensory experience in the Slo1 BK channelNature Structural & Molecular Biology News and Views (01 Nov 2008)
A sensitive channel family replete with sense and motionNature Structural & Molecular Biology News and Views (01 May 2006)
See all 4 matches for News And ViewsRESEARCH
Site-specific DNA binding using a variation of the double stranded RNA binding motifNature Structural Biology Letter (01 Jul 1998)
Reciprocal regulation of the Ca 2+ and H + sensitivity in the SLO1 BK channel conferred by the RCK1 domainNature Structural & Molecular Biology Article (01 Apr 2008)
See all 72 matches for Research
