Physiological Functions, Biophysical Properties, and Regulation of KCNQ1 (K7.1) Potassium Channels.

Adv Exp Med Biol

Cellular Electrophysiology and Molecular Biology, Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.

Published: February 2022

AI Article Synopsis

  • KCNQ1 (K7.1) K channels are found in various organs like the heart and pancreas and are linked to conditions like long QT syndrome, arrhythmias, diabetes, and some cancers.
  • Mutations in the KCNQ1 gene lead to different arrhythmias and the gene's interactions contribute to the formation of specialized potassium channels through partnerships with accessory β-subunits.
  • Recent studies, including cryo-EM structures, have enhanced our understanding of how KCNQ1 interacts with calmodulin and other subunits, affecting the function and regulation of these channels.

Article Abstract

KCNQ1 (K7.1) K channels are expressed in multiple tissues, including the heart, pancreas, colon, and inner ear. The gene encoding the KCNQ1 protein was discovered by a positional cloning effort to determine the genetic basis of long QT syndrome, an inherited ventricular arrhythmia that can cause sudden death. Mutations in KCNQ1 can also cause other types of arrhythmia (i.e., short QT syndrome, atrial fibrillation) and the gene may also have a role in diabetes and certain cancers. KCNQ1 α-subunits can partner with accessory β-subunits (KCNE1-KCNE5) to form K-selective channels that have divergent biophysical properties. In the heart, KCNQ1 α-subunits coassemble with KCNE1 β-subunits to form channels that conduct I, a very slowly activating delayed rectifier K current. K7.1 channels are highly regulated by PIP, calmodulin, and phosphorylation, and rich pharmacology includes blockers and gating modulators. Recent biophysical studies and a cryo-EM structure of the KCNQ1-calmodulin complex have provided new insights into K7.1 channel function, and how interactions between KCNQ1 and KCNE subunits alter the gating properties of heteromultimeric channels.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_15DOI Listing

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