Mechanism for Selectivity-inactivation Coupling in KcsA Potassium Channels
Structures of the prokaryotic K{sup +} channel, KcsA, highlight the role of the selectivity filter carbonyls from the GYG signature sequence in determining a highly selective pore, but channels displaying this sequence vary widely in their cation selectivity. Furthermore, variable selectivity can be found within the same channel during a process called C-type inactivation. We investigated the mechanism for changes in selectivity associated with inactivation in a model K{sup +} channel, KcsA. We found that E71A, a noninactivating KcsA mutant in which a hydrogen-bond behind the selectivity filter is disrupted, also displays decreased K{sup +} selectivity. In E71A channels, Na{sup +} permeates at higher rates as seen with {sup 86}Rb{sup +} and {sup 22}Na{sup +} flux measurements and analysis of intracellular Na{sup +} block. Crystal structures of E71A reveal that the selectivity filter no longer assumes the 'collapsed,' presumed inactivated, conformation in low K{sup +}, but a 'flipped' conformation, that is also observed in high K{sup +}, high Na{sup +}, and even Na{sup +} only conditions. The data reveal the importance of the E71-D80 interaction in both favoring inactivation and maintaining high K{sup +} selectivity. We propose a molecular mechanism by which inactivation and K{sup +} selectivity are linked, a mechanism that may also be at work in other channels containing the canonical GYG signature sequence.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE SC OFFICE OF SCIENCE (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 1041664
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-97342-2012-JA; PNASA6; TRN: US201212%%82
- Journal Information:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Vol. 108, Issue 13; ISSN 0027-8424
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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