Ion permeation through a narrow cavity constriction in KCNQ1 channels: Mechanism and implications for pathogenic variants.

KCNQ1 potassium channels play a pivotal role in the physiology and pathophysiology of several human excitable and epithelial tissues. The latest cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures provide unique insights into channel function and pharmacology, opening avenues for different therapeutic strategies against human diseases associated with KCNQ1 mutations. However, these structures also raise fundamental questions about the mechanisms of ion permeation.

Dataset on extreme thunderstorm ground enhancements registered on Aragats in 2023.

To advance high-energy atmospheric physics, studying atmospheric electric fields (AEF) and cosmic ray fluxes as an interconnected system is crucial. At Mt. Argats, simultaneous measurements of particle fluxes, electric fields, weather conditions, and lightning locations have significantly enhanced the validation of models that describe the charge structures of thunderclouds and the mechanics of internal electron accelerators.

[The present-day medical demographic situation in the Republic of Karelia].

The analysis of basic medical and demographic indicators (primary morbidity and disability of adult population, mortality, age structure and life expectancy) and provision of medical care in the Republic of Karelia in 2011-2020 was carried out. It established consistently high level of primary morbidity of population with respiratory diseases; injuries, poisoning and other consequences of external causes; diseases of genitourinary system. Diseases of cardiovascular system and malignant neoplasms occupy leading positions in the structure of causes of disability and mortality of population during period under review.

[The nature of the actual nutrition of elderly residents of the European North of Russia who had community-acquired pneumonia, not associated with the COVID-19 virus, from the standpoint of the possibility of the microelement state disorder.].

An increasing number of elderly and senile people characterises the structure of modern society. With ageing, a violation of the microelement homeostasis of the human body occurs. The natural biogeochemical conditions of the North initiate a metabolic restructuring of the body, accompanied by changes in the microelement state, which disrupts the functions of protective systems and increases the risk of developing diseases.

Mechanism of external K+ sensitivity of KCNQ1 channels.

KCNQ1 voltage-gated K+ channels are involved in a wide variety of fundamental physiological processes and exhibit the unique feature of being markedly inhibited by external K+. Despite the potential role of this regulatory mechanism in distinct physiological and pathological processes, its exact underpinnings are not well understood. In this study, using extensive mutagenesis, molecular dynamics simulations, and single-channel recordings, we delineate the molecular mechanism of KCNQ1 modulation by external K+.