Mechanism of beta4 subunit modulation of BK channels.

ABSTRACT: Large-conductance (BK-type) Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels are activated by membrane depolarization and cytoplasmic Ca(2+). BK channels are expressed in a broad variety of cells and have a corresponding diversity in properties. Underlying much of the functional diversity is a family of four tissue-specific accessory subunits (beta1-beta4). Biophysical characterization has shown that the beta4 subunit confers properties of the so-called "type II" BK channel isotypes seen in brain. These properties include slow gating kinetics and resistance to iberiotoxin and charybdotoxin blockade. In addition, the beta4 subunit reduces the apparent voltage sensitivity of channel activation and has complex effects on apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity. Specifically, channel activity at low Ca(2+) is inhibite

SUBMITTER: Wang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2151511 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature