Crystal structure and mechanism of a calcium-gated potassium channel

Youxing Jiang, Alice Lee, Jiayun Chen, Martine Cadene, Brian T. Chait and Roderick MacKinnon ()
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Youxing Jiang: Rockefeller University
Alice Lee: Rockefeller University
Jiayun Chen: Rockefeller University
Martine Cadene: Rockefeller University
Brian T. Chait: Rockefeller University
Roderick MacKinnon: Rockefeller University

Nature, 2002, vol. 417, issue 6888, 515-522

Abstract: Abstract Ion channels exhibit two essential biophysical properties; that is, selective ion conduction, and the ability to gate-open in response to an appropriate stimulus. Two general categories of ion channel gating are defined by the initiating stimulus: ligand binding (neurotransmitter- or second-messenger-gated channels) or membrane voltage (voltage-gated channels). Here we present the structural basis of ligand gating in a K+ channel that opens in response to intracellular Ca2+. We have cloned, expressed, analysed electrical properties, and determined the crystal structure of a K+ channel (MthK) from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum in the Ca2+-bound, opened state. Eight RCK domains (regulators of K+ conductance) form a gating ring at the intracellular membrane surface. The gating ring uses the free energy of Ca2+ binding in a simple manner to perform mechanical work to open the pore.

Date: 2002
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DOI: 10.1038/417515a

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