Conotoxin KM-RIIIJ reveals interplay between K_v1-channels and persistent sodium currents in proprioceptive DRG neurons.

ABSTRACT: Voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) comprise the largest and most complex families of ion channels. Approximately 70 genes encode VGKC alpha subunits, which assemble into functional tetrameric channel complexes. These subunits can also combine to form heteromeric channels, significantly expanding the potential diversity of VGKCs. The functional expression and physiological role of heteromeric K-channels have remained largely unexplored due to the lack of tools to probe their functions. Conotoxins, from predatory cone snails, have high affinity and specificity for heteromeric combinations of K-channels and show great promise for defining their physiological roles. In this work, using conotoxin KM-RIIIJ as a pharmacological probe, we explore the expression and physiological functions of

SUBMITTER: Raghuraman S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11681041 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature