The auxiliary beta-subunit KCNMB2 (beta(2)) endows the non-inactivating large conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-dependent potassium (BK) channel with fast inactivation. This process is mediated by the N terminus of KCNMB2 and closely resembles the "bal ...
The auxiliary beta-subunit KCNMB2 (beta(2)) endows the non-inactivating large conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-dependent potassium (BK) channel with fast inactivation. This process is mediated by the N terminus of KCNMB2 and closely resembles the "ball-and-chain"-type inactivation observed in voltage-gated potassium channels. Here we investigated the solution structure and function of the KCNMB2 N terminus (amino acids 1-45, BKbeta(2)N) using NMR spectroscopy and patch clamp recordings. BKbeta(2)N completely inactivated BK channels when applied to the cytoplasmic side; its interaction with the BK alpha-subunit is characterized by a particularly slow dissociation rate and an affinity in the upper nanomolar range. The BKbeta(2)N structure comprises two domains connected by a flexible linker: the pore-blocking "ball domain" (formed by residues 1-17) and the "chain domain" (between residues 20-45) linking it to the membrane segment of KCNMB2. The ball domain is made up of a flexible N terminus anchored at a well ordered loop-helix motif. The chain domain consists of a 4-turn helix with an unfolded linker at its C terminus. These structural properties explain the functional characteristics of BKbeta(2)N-mediated inactivation.
Related Citations:
Molecular basis of fast inactivation in voltage and Ca2+-activated K+ channels: a transmembrane beta-subunit homolog Wallner, M., Meera, P., Toro, L. (1999) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96: 4137
Molecular basis for the inactivation of Ca2+- and voltage-dependent BK channels in adrenal chromaffin cells and rat insulinoma tumor cells Xia, X.M., Ding, J.P., Lingle, C.J. (1999) J Neurosci 19: 5255
Organizational Affiliation:
Department of Physiology II, University of Tübingen, Ob dem Himmelreich 7, 72074 Tübingen, Germany. detlef.bentrop@uni-tuebingen.de
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