Atomic basis for therapeutic activation of neuronal potassium channels

Robin Y. Kim, Michael C. Yau, Jason D. Galpin, Guiscard Seebohm, Christopher A. Ahern, Stephan A. Pless and Harley T. Kurata ()
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Robin Y. Kim: Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia
Michael C. Yau: Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia
Jason D. Galpin: University of Iowa
Guiscard Seebohm: University Hospital Münster
Christopher A. Ahern: University of Iowa
Stephan A. Pless: University of Copenhagen
Harley T. Kurata: Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Retigabine is a recently approved anticonvulsant that acts by potentiating neuronal M-current generated by KCNQ2–5 channels, interacting with a conserved Trp residue in the channel pore domain. Using unnatural amino-acid mutagenesis, we subtly altered the properties of this Trp to reveal specific chemical interactions required for retigabine action. Introduction of a non-natural isosteric H-bond-deficient Trp analogue abolishes channel potentiation, indicating that retigabine effects rely strongly on formation of a H-bond with the conserved pore Trp. Supporting this model, substitution with fluorinated Trp analogues, with increased H-bonding propensity, strengthens retigabine potency. In addition, potency of numerous retigabine analogues correlates with the negative electrostatic surface potential of a carbonyl/carbamate oxygen atom present in most KCNQ activators. These findings functionally pinpoint an atomic-scale interaction essential for effects of retigabine and provide stringent constraints that may guide rational improvement of the emerging drug class of KCNQ channel activators.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9116

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