Side pockets provide the basis for a new mechanism of Kv channel-specific inhibition.

Most known small-molecule inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels have poor subtype specificity because they interact with a highly conserved binding site in the central cavity. Using alanine-scanning mutagenesis, electrophysiological recordings and molecular modeling, we have identified a new drug-binding site in Kv1.x channels.

Molecular determinants of human ether-à-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) K+ channel activation by NS1643.

Human ether-à-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) channels conduct the rapid delayed rectifier K+ current, I(Kr), an important determinant of action potential repolarization in mammals, including humans. Reduced I(Kr) function caused by mutations in KCNH2 or drug block of hERG1 channels prolongs the QT interval of the electrocardiogram and increases the risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Several activators of hERG1 channels have been discovered in recent years.

Modification of hERG1 channel gating by Cd2+.

Each of the four subunits in a voltage-gated potassium channel has a voltage sensor domain (VSD) that is formed by four transmembrane helical segments (S1-S4). In response to changes in membrane potential, intramembrane displacement of basic residues in S4 produces a gating current. As S4 moves through the membrane, its basic residues also form sequential electrostatic interactions with acidic residues in immobile regions of the S2 and S3 segments.

PD-118057 contacts the pore helix of hERG1 channels to attenuate inactivation and enhance K+ conductance.

Human ether-a-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) K(+) channels mediate repolarization of cardiac action potentials. Unintended block of hERG1 channels by some drugs can prolong the QT interval and induce arrhythmia. Recently, hERG1 channel agonists were discovered and, based on their mechanisms of action can be classified into two types.

A potassium channel (Kv4) cloned from the heart of the tunicate Ciona intestinalis and its modulation by a KChIP subunit.

Voltage-gated ion channels of the Kv4 subfamily produce A-type currents whose properties are tuned by accessory subunits termed KChIPs, which are a family of Ca2+ sensor proteins. By modifying expression levels and the intrinsic biophysical properties of Kv4 channels, KChIPs modulate the excitability properties of neurons and myocytes. We studied how a Kv4 channel from a tunicate, the first branching clade of the chordates, is modulated by endogenous KChIP subunits.

Temperature-sensitive defects in paramyotonia congenita mutants R1448C and T1313M.

The biophysical origins of paramyotonia congenita and its exacerbation in cold temperatures were examined. Human skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and macroscopic currents were recorded from cell-attached patches. Wild-type (hNaV1.