Structure of the gating ring from the human large-conductance Ca(2+)-gated K(+) channel.

ABSTRACT: Large-conductance Ca(2+)-gated K(+) (BK) channels are essential for many biological processes such as smooth muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release. This group of channels can be activated synergistically by both voltage and intracellular Ca(2+), with the large carboxy-terminal intracellular portion being responsible for Ca(2+) sensing. Here we present the crystal structure of the entire cytoplasmic region of the human BK channel in a Ca(2+)-free state. The structure reveals four intracellular subunits, each comprising two tandem RCK domains, assembled into a gating ring similar to that seen in the MthK channel and probably representing its physiological assembly. Three Ca(2+) binding sites including the Ca(2+) bowl are mapped onto the structure based on mutagenesis data. The Ca(2

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2910425 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature