A novel current pathway parallel to the central pore in a mutant voltage-gated potassium channel.

Voltage-gated potassium channels are proteins composed of four subunits consisting of six membrane-spanning segments S1-S6, with S4 as the voltage sensor. The region between S5 and S6 forms the potassium-selective ion-conducting central α-pore. Recent studies showed that mutations in the voltage sensor of the Shaker channel could disclose another ion permeation pathway through the voltage-sensing domain (S1-S4) of the channel, the ω-pore.

Inhibitors of potassium channels KV1.3 and IK-1 as immunosuppressants.

New structural classes of K(V)1.3 and IK-1 ion channel blockers have been identified based on a virtual high throughput screening approach using a homology model of KcsA. These compounds display inhibitory effects on T-cell and/or keratinocyte proliferation and immunosuppressant activity within a DTH animal model.

An interdisciplinary effort to help patients with limited prescription drug benefits afford their medication.

Background: Patients without prescription benefits present a significant challenge to health care providers. The inability of patients to afford medication may serve as a barrier to adherence and may ultimately result in poor patient outcomes. In this report, we describe the system used at a university-based adult internal medicine center to assist patients in affording medication.