Octameric stoichiometry of the K(ATP) channel complex

S. L. Shyng, C. G. Nichols

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

439 Scopus citations

Abstract

ATP-sensitive potassium K(ATP) channels link cellular metabolism to electrical activity in nerve, muscle, and endocrine tissues. They are formed as a functional complex of two unrelated subunits-a member of the Kir inward rectifier potassium channel family, and a sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, which includes cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators and multidrug resistance protein, regulators of chloride channel activity. This recent discovery has brought together proteins from two very distinct superfamilies in a novel functional complex. The pancreatic K(ATP) channel is probably formed specifically of Kir6.2 and SUR1 isoforms. The relationship between SUR1 and Kir6.2 must be determined to understand how SUR1 and Kir6.2 interact to form this unique channel. We have used mutant Kir6.2 subunits and dimeric (SUR1- Kir6.2) constructs to examine the functional stoichiometry of the K(ATP) channel. The data indicate that the K(ATP) channel pore is lined by four Kir6.2 subunits, and that each Kir6.2 subunit requires one SUR1 subunit to generate a functional channel in an octameric or tetradimeric structure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)655-664
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of General Physiology
Volume110
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette protein
  • Inward rectifier
  • Potassium channel
  • Sulfonylurea receptor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology

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