Identification of the Intracellular Na+ Sensor in Slo2.1 Potassium Channels.

ABSTRACT: Slo2 potassium channels have a very low open probability under normal physiological conditions, but are readily activated in response to an elevated [Na(+)]i (e.g. during ischemia). An intracellular Na(+) coordination motif (DX(R/K)XXH) was previously identified in Kir3.2, Kir3.4, Kir5.1, and Slo2.2 channel subunits. Based loosely on this sequence, we identified five potential Na(+) coordination motifs in the C terminus of the Slo2.1 subunit. The Asp residue in each sequence was substituted with Arg, and single mutant channels were heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The Na(+) sensitivity of each of the mutant channels was assessed by voltage clamp of oocytes using micropipettes filled with 2 M NaCl. Wild-type channels and four of the mutant Slo2.1 channels were rapidly activated

SUBMITTER: Thomson SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4505520 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature