Showing papers on "Ion channel published in 1996"
TL;DR: It is shown that an electric field can drive single-stranded RNA and DNA molecules through a 2.6-nm diameter ion channel in a lipid bilayer membrane, which could in principle provide direct, high-speed detection of the sequence of bases in single molecules of DNA or RNA.
Abstract: We show that an electric field can drive single-stranded RNA and DNA molecules through a 2.6-nm diameter ion channel in a lipid bilayer membrane. Because the channel diameter can accommodate only a single strand of RNA or DNA, each polymer traverses the membrane as an extended chain that partially blocks the channel. The passage of each molecule is detected as a transient decrease of ionic current whose duration is proportional to polymer length. Channel blockades can therefore be used to measure polynucleotide length. With further improvements, the method could in principle provide direct, high-speed detection of the sequence of bases in single molecules of DNA or RNA.
3,251 citations
01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: The action potential is triggered when the membrane potential, which was at the resting level, depolarizes and reaches the threshold of excitation, which triggers the action potential.
Abstract: Excitability. Excitability of cell membranes is crucial for signaling in many types of cell. Excitation in the physiological sense means that the cell membrane potential undergoes characteristic changes which, in most cases, go in the depolarizing direction. Single depolarization from the resting potential to potentials near 0 mV has generally been called an action potential. A schematic representation of a neuronal action potential is given in Fig. 12.1 A. The action potential is triggered when the membrane potential, which was at the resting level, depolarizes and reaches the threshold of excitation. This depolarization, which triggers the action potential, is generated by depolarizing synaptic currents, or depolarizing current coming from a membrane region that is already excited (propagation of an action potential), or by pacemaker currents mediated by pacemaker channels, or by current injected externally by an electrode. The duration of different types of action potential varies from seconds to less than 1 ms.
3,016 citations
TL;DR: The functional properties and tissue distribution of these six P2X receptors indicate new roles for ATP-gated ion channels, particularly in brain and spinal cord.
Abstract: Two new P2X receptor cDNAs (P2X5 and P2X6) were isolated and expressed. All six proteins are 36-48 percent identical and seem to have two transmembrane segments with a large extracellular loop. Functionally, P2X5 and P2X6 receptors most resemble P2X2 and P2X4; they desensitize only slowly and do not respond to alpha beta methylene-ATP. P2X6 receptors, like P2X4, receptors, are not blocked by the antagonists suramin and pyridoxal-5-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid. P2X6 and P2X5 receptors express at lower levels than P2X1-P2X4 receptors do, perhaps indicating that they do not normally form homomultimeric channels. P2X6 and P2X4 are the receptors expressed most heavily in brain, where their RNAs have a widespread and extensively overlapping distribution. The spinal cord expresses all receptors except P2X3. P2X2, P2X4, and P2X6, are the most abundant in the dorsal horn. Sensory neurons of the trigeminal, dorsal root, and nodose ganglia express all six RNAs; P2X3 is found only there. The functional properties and tissue distribution of these six P2X receptors indicate new roles for ATP-gated ion channels.
880 citations
TL;DR: During channel activation, a stretch of at least seven amino acids of the putative transmembrane segment S4 moved from a buried position into the extracellular environment, providing physical evidence in support of the hypothesis that S4 is the voltage sensor of voltage-gated ion channels.
Abstract: In response to membrane depolarization, voltage-gated ion channels undergo a structural rearrangement that moves charges or dipoles in the membrane electric field and opens the channel-conducting pathway. By combination of site-specific fluorescent labeling of the Shaker potassium channel protein with voltage clamping, this gating conformational change was measured in real time. During channel activation, a stretch of at least seven amino acids of the putative transmembrane segment S4 moved from a buried position into the extracellular environment. This movement correlated with the displacement of the gating charge, providing physical evidence in support of the hypothesis that S4 is the voltage sensor of voltage-gated ion channels.
590 citations
TL;DR: The energetic problems of S4 movement have been solved in the same way that may ion channels achieve highly selective and rapid ion permeation through an open pore, by restricting the contact region between the permion and its channel.
587 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The observation that MG channels can be chemically blocked and/or activated by a wide range of compounds requires revision of the long-standing conclusion of Paintal that mechanotransduction is a process that has a low susceptibility to chemical influence.
Abstract: In this article, the actions, mechanisms and applications of various ions and drugs that interact with MG channels have been discussed. At present, no compound has been found that displays the high specificity and affinity exhibited by tetrodotoxin or alpha-bungarotoxin that proved so useful in the functional and structural characterization of the voltage-gated Na+ channel and the acetylcholine receptor channel, respectively. Nevertheless, three different classes of compounds have been discovered since Paintal's review that clearly block MG channels. These compounds, represented by amiloride, gentamicin and gadolinium, act mainly on the SA cation channel, which appears to be shared by many nonsensory and some mechanosensory cells. Each class of compound can be distinguished by the voltage and concentration dependence of the block and most likely involves different mechanisms of blocking action. In general, the MG channel blocker pharmacology indicates a variety of "receptor sites" on MG channels. The recognition and acceptance of such receptors should provide added impetus for continued screening for more potent drugs, venoms and toxins. In the case of activators, little is understood of the mechanisms by which the various amphipathic and amphiphilic compounds stimulate MG channels, although different bilayer and protein mechanisms have been evoked. Even less is understood of the role the new class of MG K+ channel and their modulation by fatty acids plays in physiological and perhaps pathological processes. However, given that K+ channels in general tend to reduce the excitability of nerve and muscle, plausible roles include fatty acid regulation of vascular tone and control of neuronal network excitability. In both cases, more detailed understanding is required regarding the physiological stimuli that modulate these channels through their fatty acid receptors. It may turn out that recognition and/or development of cell-type specific agents that activate such MG channels will possess high therapeutic potential. In any case, the observation that MG channels can be chemically blocked and/or activated by a wide range of compounds requires revision of the long-standing conclusion of Paintal that mechanotransduction is a process that has a low susceptibility to chemical influence.
426 citations
TL;DR: At field-use rates, a neurotoxic effect of the ecdysteroid agonist RH-5849 is observed that involves blockage of both muscle and neuronal potassium channels, and the future use of ion channels as targets for chemical and genetically engineered insecticides is discussed.
Abstract: Ion channels are the primary target sites for several classes of natural and synthetic insecticidal compounds. The voltage-sensitive sodium channel is the major target site for DDT and pyrethroids, the veratrum alkaloids, andN-alkylamides. Recently, neurotoxic proteins from arthropod venoms, some of which specifically attack insect sodium channels, have been engineered into baculoviruses to act as biopesticides. The synthetic pyrazolines also primarily affect the sodium channel, although some members of this group target neuronal calcium channels as well. The ryanoids have also found use as insecticides, and these materials induce muscle contracture by irreversible activation of the calcium-release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The arylheterocycles (e.g. endosulfan and fipronil) are potent convulsants and insecticides that block the GABA-gated chloride channel. In contrast, the avermectins activate both ligand and voltage-gated chloride channels, which leads to paralysis. At field-use rates, a ne...
418 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that the activation of K channels is required for cells to progress through the G1 phase of the cell cycle is examined and the evidence supporting this hypothesis is examined.
Abstract: Potassium channels are the most ubiquitous and diverse family of plasma membrane ion channels, and this is reflected in a large variety of essential roles they perform in different cells. Voltage-gated K channels modulate the excitability of excitable cells, and K channels gated by intracellular ligands, such as calcium or ATP, provide a functional link between the physiological properties of the plasma membrane and the activity of intracellular metabolic pathways. There is now substantial evidence that drugs which block K channels also inhibit the proliferation of many types of cells, but the cellular mechanism(s) by which the level of K channel activity might be related to proliferation remains unclear. A particularly intriguing possibility is that the opening, or activation, of K channels might be required for the passage of cells through a specific stage in their cell cycle; this would provide a fundamental link between physiological and biochemical signaling pathways which regulate progression through the cell cycle (Fig. 1). The role of K channels in mitogenesis and proliferation has been previously reviewed [20,24,60]. The focus of the present review is the hypothesis that the activation of K channels is required for cells to progress through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We will examine first the evidence supporting this hypothesis, and then we will discuss the processes or events within G1 phase that are most likely to require the activation of K channels. Identification of these critical events is important because their dependence on the activation of ion channels in the plasma membrane would represent a novel type of regulatory checkpoint, compared to other checkpoints previously identified within the G1 phase of the cell cycle [66].
406 citations
TL;DR: It appears that the sodium channel and the GABA system merit continuing efforts for development of newer and better insecticides.
Abstract: Certain types of neuronal ions channels have been demonstrated to be the major target sites of insecticides. The insecticide-channel interactions that have been studied most extensively are pyrethroid actions on the voltage-gated sodium channel and cyclodiene/lindane actions on the GABAA receptor chloride channel complex. With the exception of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides which inhibit acetylcholinesterases, most insecticide commercially developed act on the sodium channel and the GABA system. Pyrethroids show the kinetics of both activation and inactivation gates of sodium channels resulting in prolonged openings of individual channels. This causes membrane depolarization, repetitive discharges and synaptic disturbances leading to hyperexcitatory symptoms of poisoning in animals. Only a very small fraction (approximately 1%) of sodium channel population is required to be modified by pyrethroids to produce severe hyperexcitatory symptoms. This toxicity amplification theory applies to pharmacological and toxicological action of other drugs that go through a threshold phenomenon. Selective toxicity of pyrethroids between invertebrates and mammals can be explained based largely on the responses of sodium channels and partly on metabolic degradation. The pyrethroid-sodium channel interaction is also supported by Na+ uptake and batrachotoxin binding experiments. Cyclodienes and lindane exert a dual action on the GABAA system, the initial transient stimulation being followed by a suppression. The stimulation requires the presence of the gamma 2 subunit. The suppression of the GABA system is also documented by Cl- flux and ligand binding experiments. It appears that the sodium channel and the GABA system merit continuing efforts for development of newer and better insecticides. Nitromethylene heterocycles including imidacloprid act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Insect receptors are more sensitive to these compounds than mammalian receptors. Single-channel analyses of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of PC12 cells have shown that imidacloprid increases the activity of subconductance state currents and decreases that of main conductance state currents. This may explain the imidacloprid suppression of acetylcholine responses.
402 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated here that α5 does participate in nAChRs expressed in heterologous systems and in primary neurons, and further thatα5 contributes to the lining of functionally unique nA ChR channels, but only if coexpressed with both another α- and β-type subunit.
Abstract: LIGAND-GATED ion channels are multi-subunit complexes where each subunit-type is encoded by several related genes. Hetero-logous expression of any one of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) α-type subunits, either alone or with any β-type subunit, typically yields functional nAChR channels1–5. A striking exception is the nAChR α5 subunit: although apparently complexed with β2 and α4 nAChR subunits in neurons6–8, and expressed in a subset of neurons within the central and peripheral nervous systems9,10, heterologous expression of α5, either alone or with any P-type subunit has failed to yield functional channels1,11. We demonstrate here that α5 does participate in nAChRs expressed in heterologous systems and in primary neurons, and further that α5 contributes to the lining of functionally unique nAChR channels, but only if coexpressed with both another α- and β-type subunit. Furthermore, channels containing the α5 subunit are potently activated and desensitized by nanomolar concentrations of nicotine.
402 citations
TL;DR: An ion channel directly activated by cGMP was first discovered about ten years ago and both channel classes are reviewed here, covering the cyclic-nucleotide binding site on these channels, ion permeation, pharmacological blockers, channel gating and modulation, and physiological functions of the channels.
Abstract: An ion channel directly activated by cGMP was first discovered about ten years ago. Since then, a number of ion channels with the same property (cyclic nucleotide-activated channels) have been reported that are involved in a variety of cell functions. In addition, other channels have been found that are not primarily controlled by cyclic nucleotides but are modulated by them (cyclic nucleotide-modulated channels). These channels likewise have diverse functions and tissue distributions. Both channel classes are reviewed here. Coverage includes the cyclic-nucleotide binding site on these channels, ion permeation, pharmacological blockers, channel gating and modulation, and physiological functions of the channels.
TL;DR: A recent review summarizes recent progress in water-transporting mechanisms across cell membranes as mentioned in this paper, including water channels, aquaporins, and their functional properties, genetics, and cellular distributions of these proteins.
Abstract: This review summarizes recent progress in water-transporting mechanisms across cell membranes. Modern biophysical concepts of water transport and new measurement strategies are evaluated. A family of water-transporting proteins (water channels, aquaporins) has been identified, consisting of small hydrophobic proteins expressed widely in epithelial and nonepithelial tissues. The functional properties, genetics, and cellular distributions of these proteins are summarized. The majority of molecular-level information about water-transporting mechanisms comes from studies on CHIP28, a 28-kDa glycoprotein that forms tetramers in membranes; each monomer contains six putative helical domains surrounding a central aqueous pathway and functions independently as a water-selective channel. Only mutations in the vasopressin-sensitive water channel have been shown to cause human disease (non-X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus); the physiological significance of other water channels remains unproven. One mercurial-insensitive water channel has been identified, which has the unique feature of multiple overlapping transcriptional units. Systems for expression of water channel proteins are described, including Xenopus oocytes, mammalian and insect cells, and bacteria. Further work should be directed at elucidation of the role of water channels in normal physiology and disease, molecular analysis of regulatory mechanisms, and water channel structure determination at atomic resolution.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated by single channel recording that hemichannels comprised of rat Cx46 exhibit complex voltage gating consistent with there being two distinct gating mechanisms.
Abstract: Gap junction channels are formed by members of the connexin gene family and mediate direct intercellular communication through linked hemichannels (connexons) from each of two adjacent cells. While for most connexins, the hemichannels appear to require an apposing hemichannel to open, macroscopic currents obtained from Xenopus oocytes expressing rat Cx46 suggested that some hemichannels can be readily opened by membrane depolarization [Paul, D. L., Ebihara, L., Takemoto, L. J., Swenson, K. I. & Goodenough, D. A. (1991), J. Cell Biol. 115, 1077-1089]. Here we demonstrate by single channel recording that hemichannels comprised of rat Cx46 exhibit complex voltage gating consistent with there being two distinct gating mechanisms. One mechanism partially closes Cx46 hemichannels from a fully open state, gammaopen, to a substate, gammasub, about one-third of the conductance of gammaopen; these transitions occur when the cell is depolarized to inside positive voltages, consistent with gating by transjunctional voltage in Cx46 gap junctions. The other gating mechanism closes Cx46 hemichannels to a fully closed state, gammaclosed, on hyperpolarization to inside negative voltages and has unusual characteristics; transitions between gammaclosed and gammaopen appear slow (10-20 ms), often involving several transient substates distinct from gammasub. The polarity of activation and kinetics of this latter form of gating indicate that it is the mechanism by which these hemichannels open in the cell surface membrane when unapposed by another hemichannel. Cx46 hemichannels display a substantial preference for cations over anions, yet have a large unitary conductance (approximately 300 pS) and a relatively large pore as inferred from permeability to tetraethylammonium (approximately 8.5 angstroms diameter). These hemichannels open at physiological voltages and could induce substantial cation fluxes in cells expressing Cx46.
TL;DR: The diversity of ion channels subunits, their prominent role in brain function, and ethanol action are likely to make them important contributors to alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
Abstract: Ion channels play critical roles in nervous system function, from initiating rapid synaptic activity to propagation of action potentials. Studies have indicated that many of the effects of ethanol on the nervous system are likely caused by the actions of ethanol on ion channels. Ion channels are multimeric structures that gate ions through subtle changes in tertiary structure. Ethanol readily enters molecular sites within multimeric ion channels, modifying intermolecular forces and bonds that are important for the open-close-inactivation kinetic properties of channels. The diversity of channel composition caused by the multimeric structure results in subtypes of channels that have a spectrum of sensitivity to ethanol that translates into brain regional differences in ethanol sensitivity, in part caused by differences in ion channel subunit composition. Ethanol has been shown to affect both receptor-activated ion channels and voltage-gated ion channels. The acute intoxicating and incoordinating effects of ethanol are probably related to inhibition of subtypes of NMDA-glutamate receptor ion channels and potentiation of certain subtypes of GABAA receptor ion channels. Effects on these channels, as well as glycine, nicotinic cholinergic, serotonergic, and other ion channels, likely contribute to the euphoric, sedative, and other acute actions of ethanol. Changes in ion channel subunit composition, density, and properties probably also contribute to ethanol tolerance, dependence, withdrawal hyperexcitability, and neurotoxicity. A substantial number of studies have implicated glutamate NMDA receptor, GABAA, and L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in the adaptive changes in the brain during chronic ethanol exposure. The diversity of ion channels subunits, their prominent role in brain function, and ethanol action are likely to make them important contributors to alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
TL;DR: A new model is proposed where MaxiK channels have a unique hydrophobic segment (S0) at the N terminus, in addition to the six putative transmembrane segments usually found in voltage-dependent ion channels, to investigate the structural determinants in the pore-forming alpha subunit necessary for beta-subunit modulation.
Abstract: The pore-forming alpha subunit of large conductance voltage- and Ca(2+)-sensitive K (MaxiK) channels is regulated by a beta subunit that has two membrane-spanning regions separated by an extracellular loop. To investigate the structural determinants in the pore-forming alpha subunit necessary for beta-subunit modulation, we made chimeric constructs between a human MaxiK channel and the Drosophila homologue, which we show is insensitive to beta-subunit modulation, and analyzed the topology of the alpha subunit. A comparison of multiple sequence alignments with hydrophobicity plots revealed that MaxiK channel alpha subunits have a unique hydrophobic segment (S0) at the N terminus. This segment is in addition to the six putative transmembrane segments (S1-S6) usually found in voltage-dependent ion channels. The transmembrane nature of this unique S0 region was demonstrated by in vitro translation experiments. Moreover, normal functional expression of signal sequence fusions and in vitro N-linked glycosylation experiments indicate that S0 leads to an exoplasmic N terminus. Therefore, we propose a new model where MaxiK channels have a seventh transmembrane segment at the N terminus (S0). Chimeric exchange of 41 N-terminal amino acids, including S0, from the human MaxiK channel to the Drosophila homologue transfers beta-subunit regulation to the otherwise unresponsive Drosophila channel. Both the unique S0 region and the exoplasmic N terminus are necessary for this gain of function.
TL;DR: The ability of Vpu to increase virus release from infected cells may be correlated with an ion channel activity of the TM domain, thereby providing a potential target for drug intervention based on the development of VPU‐specific channel blockers.
TL;DR: The data suggest that the region of Cx43 that acts as a receptor for the particle is conserved among connexins, consistent with a model of intramolecular interactions in which the carboxyl terminal acts as an independent domain that binds to a separate region of the protein and closes the channel.
TL;DR: Complementary DNAs for the ATP‐gated ion channel subunits P2x1 and P2X2 were used to express the receptors in human embryonic kidney cells by stable transfection, and in Chinese hamster ovary cells by viral infection.
Abstract: 1. Complementary DNAs for the ATP-gated ion channel subunits P2X1 (from human bladder) and P2X2 (from rat phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells) were used to express the receptors in human embryonic kidney cells by stable transfection, and in Chinese hamster ovary cells by viral infection. 2. Membrane currents evoked by ATP were recorded by the whole-cell patch clamp method. The reversal potential of the current was measured with various intracellular and extracellular solutions and used to compute the relative permeability of the P2X receptor channels. 3. There was no difference between the two receptors with respect to their permeability to monovalent organic cations. The relative permeabilities (PX/PNa) were 2.3, 1.0, 1.0, 0.95, 0.72, 0.5, 0.29, 0.16, 0.04 and 0.03 for guanidinium, potassium, sodium, methylamine, caesium, dimethylamine, 2-methylethanolamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane, tetraethylammonium and N-methyl-D-glucamine, respectively (values for P2X2 receptor). 4. The calcium permeability of P2X1 receptors was greater than that of P2X2 receptors. Under biionic conditions (112 mM calcium outside, 154 mM sodium inside), PCa/PNa values were 3.9 and 2.2, respectively (corrected for ionic activities). 5. ATP-evoked currents in cells expressing the P2X2 receptor were strongly inhibited when the extracellular calcium concentration was increased (0.3-30 mM); the action of ATP could be restored by increasing the ATP concentration. ATP-evoked currents in cells expressing the P2X1 receptor were not inhibited by such increases in the extracellular calcium concentration.
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that Vpu, purified after expression in Escherichia coli, also forms ion channels in planar lipid bilayers, which are approximately five- to sixfold more permeable to sodium and potassium cations than to chloride or phosphate anions.
Abstract: Vpu is a small phosphorylated integral membrane protein encoded by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genome and found in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi membranes of infected cells. It has been linked to roles in virus particle budding and degradation of CD4 in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the molecular mechanisms employed by Vpu in performance of these functions are unknown. Structural similarities between Vpu and the M2 protein of influenza A virus have raised the question of whether the two proteins are functionally analogous: M2 has been demonstrated to form cation-selective ion channels in phospholipid membranes. In this paper we provide evidence that Vpu, purified after expression in Escherichia coli, also forms ion channels in planar lipid bilayers. The channels are approximately five- to sixfold more permeable to sodium and potassium cations than to chloride or phosphate anions. A bacterial cross-feeding assay was used to demonstrate that Vpu can also form sodium-permeable channels in vivo in the E. coli plasma membrane.
TL;DR: It is reported here that C1C-0 is a homodimer containing two chloride-conduction pores, and before a coherent molecular view of this new class of ion channels can emerge, the fundamental question of subunit composition must first be settled.
Abstract: The recent discovery of the ClC-family of anion-conducting channel proteins has led to an appreciation of the central roles played by chloride ion channels in cellular functions, such as electrical behaviour of muscle and nerve and epithelial solute transport. Little is known, however, about molecular architecture or sequence-function relationships in these membrane proteins. In the single case of ClC-0, a voltage-gated 'muscle-type' chloride channel, the functional complex is known to be a homo-oligomer of a polypeptide of Mr approximately 90,000, with no associated 'helper' subunits. The subunit stoichiometry of ClC-type channels is controversial, however, with either dimeric or tetrameric association suggested by different indirect experiments. Before a coherent molecular view of this new class of ion channels can emerge, the fundamental question of subunit composition must first be settled. We have examined hybrid ClC-0 channels constructed from functionally tagged subunits, and report here that ClC-0 is a homodimer containing two chloride-conduction pores.
TL;DR: The results of these studies reveal underlying mechanisms not encompassed by classic carrier models and support an emerging view that transporter-mediated ionic currents may contribute to signaling in the nervous system.
TL;DR: The molecular cloning of a novel neuronal ionotropic ATP receptor of the P2x subtype (P2x3) isolated from rat brain suggests that fast excitatory synaptic transmission mediated by zinc-sensitive ATP-gated channels is widespread in mammalian brain.
Abstract: There is strong evidence that ATP acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the periphery, yet little is known about fast central ATP-mediated transmission. We report here the molecular cloning of a novel neuronal ionotropic ATP receptor of the P,, subtype (P& isolated from rat brain. This central P,, channel subunit has significant amino acid homology with two recently cloned ATP-gated channels from rat smooth muscle (47%) and pheochromocytoma PC1 2 cells (37%). PZx3 receptor contains the characteristic 10 conserved cysteines of ATP-gated channels, a putative extracellular region homologous to the Walker type A motif found in various nucleotide-binding proteins, and two potential sites for phosphorylation by protein kinase C. Homomeric receptor Ppx3 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes produce rapid cation-selective purinergic currents that are potentiated by zinc ions and reversibly blocked by the P,, antagonists suramin, Reactive Blue 2, and pyridoxalphosphate-6-axophenyl-2U,4Udisulfonic acid. P,,,-receptor subunit mRNA is found in the Purkinje cells and the granule cells of the cerebellum as well as in CA3 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus that are innervated by zinc-rich axon terminals of mossy fibers. Our results suggest that fast excitatory synaptic transmission mediated by zinc-sensitive ATP-gated channels is widespread in mammalian brain.
TL;DR: The results establish that gene transfer of transmembrane ion channels to neurons can be used to demonstrate their physiological function, and that delta anion can be genetically manipulated to alter the function of neuronal GABAA receptors in situ.
TL;DR: The findings provide insight into the folding of integral membrane proteins, the importance of tryptophan residues at the membrane/water interface, and the mechanism of channel gating.
Abstract: The chemical design or redesign of proteins with significant biological activity presents formidable challenges. Ion channels offer advantages for such design studies because one can examine the function of single molecular entities in real time. Gramicidin channels are attractive for study because of their known structure and exceptionally well-defined function. This article focuses on amino acid sequence changes that redesign the structure or function of gramicidin channels. New, and functional, folded states have been achieved. In some cases, a single amino acid sequence can give rise to several (up to three) functional conformations. Single amino acid substitutions confer voltage-dependent channel gating. The findings provide insight into the folding of integral membrane proteins, the importance of tryptophan residues at the membrane/water interface, and the mechanism of channel gating.
TL;DR: The putative role of these channels as parts of a multicomponent osmoregulatory system is discussed, consistent with the notion that these different conductances correspond to different proteins in the plasma membrane of E. coli, which segregate into clusters of identical channels on dilution involved in reconstitution in proteoliposomes.
Abstract: Mechanosensitive ion channels from Escherichia coli were studied in giant proteoliposomes reconstituted from an inner membrane fraction, or in giant round cells in which the outer membrane and the cell wall had been disrupted by a lysozyme-EDTA treatment and a mild osmotic shock. Patch-clamp experiments revealed the presence in these two preparations of an array of different conductances (100 to 2,300 pS in 0.1 m KCl) activated by stretch. The electrical activity induced by stretch in the native membrane was complex, due to the activation of several different conductances. In contrast, patches of proteoliposomes generally contained clusters of identical conductances, which differed from patch to patch. These experiments are consistent with the notion that these different conductances correspond to different proteins in the plasma membrane of E. coli, which segregate into clusters of identical channels on dilution involved in reconstitution in proteoliposomes. These conductances could be grouped into three subfamilies of poorly selective channels. In both preparations, the higher the conductance, the higher was the negative pressure needed for activation. We discuss the putative role of these channels as parts of a multicomponent osmoregulatory system.
TL;DR: A three-dimensional image of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is emerging, the most prominent feature of which is an active site that combines the agonist/ competitive-antagonist-binding sites, the regulatory site and the ion channel within a relatively narrow space close to and within the bilayer membrane.
Abstract: The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is the neurotransmitter receptor with the most-characterized protein structure. The amino acid sequences of its five subunits have been elucidated by cDNA cloning and sequencing. Its shape and dimensions (approximately 12.5 nm×8 nm) were deduced from electron-microscopy studies. Its subunits are arranged around a five-fold axis of pseudosymmetry in the order (clockwise) α H γα L δβ. Its two agonist/competitive-antagonist-binding sites have been localized by photola-belling studies to a deep gorge between the subunits near the membrane surface. Its ion channel is formed by five membrane-spanning (M2) helices that are contributed by the five subunits. This finding has been generalized as the Helix M2 model for the superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels. The binding site for regulatory non-competitive antagonists has been localized by photolabelling and site-directed-mutagenesis studies within this ion channel.
TL;DR: This review addresses the progress made toward understanding the complex molecular physiology of K+ channels in mammalian myocardium and determines the relative contribution of each of these cloned channels to cardiac function.
Abstract: The cardiac action potential results from the complex, but precisely regulated, movement of ions across the sarcolemmal membrane. Potassium channels represent the most diverse class of ion channels in heart and are the targets of several antiarrhythmic drugs. Potassium currents in the myocardium can be classified into one of two general categories: 1) inward rectifying currents such as IK1, IKACh, and IKATP; and 2) primarily voltage-gated currents such as IKs, IKr, IKp, IKur, and Ito. The inward rectifier currents regulate the resting membrane potential, whereas the voltage-activated currents control action potential duration. The presence of these multiple, often overlapping, outward currents in native cardiac myocytes has complicated the study of individual K+ channels; however, the application of molecular cloning technology to these cardiovascular K+ channels has identified the primary structure of these proteins, and heterologous expression systems have allowed a detailed analysis of the function and pharmacology of a single channel type. This review addresses the progress made toward understanding the complex molecular physiology of K+ channels in mammalian myocardium. An important challenge for the future is to determine the relative contribution of each of these cloned channels to cardiac function.
TL;DR: It is reported that one commonly used, charged reagent (MTSEA; aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate) can cross the membrane quite readily and that other reagents that are quite membrane-impermeant canCross the membrane when patches are electrically leaky, arguing for caution in the use of modifying reagents to determine the membrane topology of channels and other membrane proteins.
TL;DR: Findings are best illustrated by examining the Shaker superfamily of potassium channels, where phosphorylation of tyrosine residues may produce acute changes in the characteristics of ion channels.
TL;DR: The ability of the positively charged reagent methanethiosulfonate ethylammonium to reach the level of alpha1 Thr261 suggests that the charge-selectivity filter is at least as cytoplasmic as this residue.
Abstract: The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors are the major inhibitory, postsynaptic, neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system. The binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to the GABA(A) receptors induces the opening of an anion-selective channel that remains open for tens of milliseconds before it closes. To understand how the structure of the GABA(A) receptor determines the functional properties such as ion conduction, ion selectivity and gating we sought to identify the amino acid residues that line the ion conducting channel. To accomplish this we mutated 26 consecutive residues (250-275), one at a time, in and flanking the M2 membrane-spanning segment of the rat alpha1 subunit to cysteine. We expressed the mutant alpha1 subunit with wild-type beta1 and gamma2 subunits in Xenopus oocytes. We probed the accessibility of the engineered cysteine to covalent modification by charged, sulfhydryl-specific reagents added extracellularly. We assume that among residues in membrane-spanning segments, only those lining the channel would be susceptible to modification by polar reagents and that such modification would irreversibly alter conduction through the channel. We infer that nine of the residues, alpha1 Val257, alpha1 Thr26l, alpha1 Thr262, alpha1 Leu264, alpha1 Thr265, alpha1 Thr268, alpha1 Ile27l, alpha1 Ser272 and alpha1 Asn275 are exposed in the channel. On a helical wheel plot, the exposed residues, except alpha1 Thr262, lie on one side of the helix in an arc of 120 degrees. We infer that the M2 segment forms an alpha helix that is interrupted in the region of alpha1 Thr262. The modification of residues as cytoplasmic as alpha1 Val257 in the closed state of the channel suggests that the gate is at least as cytoplasmic as alpha1 Val257. The ability of the positively charged reagent methanethiosulfonate ethylammonium to reach the level of alpha1 Thr261 suggests that the charge-selectivity filter is at least as cytoplasmic as this residue.