Dynamics transitions at the outer vestibule of the KcsA potassium channel during gating
Abstract
C-type inactivation gating in K+ channels plays an important role in controlling the firing patterns of excitable cells and is fundamental in determining the length and frequency of the cardiac action potential. At a molecular level, toxins, blockers, and metal ions bind to the outer vestibule and modulate the functional behavior of K+ channels. Using KcsA, we show that the shuttling between the inactivated and conductive states of K+ channels is accompanied by changes in local outer vestibule dynamics, in the absence of large conformational changes. The altered structural and hydration dynamics of the outer vestibule appear to be likely and important modulators of selectivity filter gating transitions in K+ channels.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- February 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1314875111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.1831R