Functionally-Coupled Ion Channels Begin Co-assembling at the Start of Their Synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Calcium binding to BK channels lowers BK activation threshold, substantiating functional coupling with calcium-permeable channels. This coupling requires close proximity between different channel types, and the formation of BK-Ca_V1.3 hetero-clusters at nanometer distances exemplifies this unique organization. To investigate the structural basis of this interaction, we tested the hypothesis that BK and Ca_V1.3 channels assemble before their insertion into the plasma membrane. Our approach incorporated four strategies: (1) detecting interactions between BK and Ca_V1.3 proteins inside the cell, (2) identifying membrane compartments where intracellular hetero-clusters reside, (3) measuring the proximity of their mRNAs, and (4) assessing protein interactions at th

SUBMITTER: Pournejati R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637664 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature