Structural highlights
Function[KCSA_STRLI] Acts as a pH-gated potassium ion channel; changing the cytosolic pH from 7 to 4 opens the channel, although it is not clear if this is the physiological stimulus for channel opening. Monovalent cation preference is K(+) > Rb(+) > NH4(+) >> Na(+) > Li(+).[1] Evolutionary Conservation Check, as determined by ConSurfDB. You may read the explanation of the method and the full data available from ConSurf. Publication Abstract from PubMedPotassium channels catalyze the selective transfer of potassium across the cell membrane and are essential for setting the resting potential in cells, controlling heart rate and modulating the firing pattern in neurons. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) blocks ion conduction through potassium channels in a voltage-dependent manner from both sides of the membrane. Here we show the structural basis of TEA blockade by cocrystallizing the prokaryotic potassium channel KcsA with two selective TEA analogs. TEA binding at both sites alters ion occupancy in the selectivity filter; these findings underlie the mutual destabilization and voltage-dependence of TEA blockade. We propose that TEA blocks potassium channels by acting as a potassium analog at the dehydration transition step during permeation. Structural basis of TEA blockade in a model potassium channel.,Lenaeus MJ, Vamvouka M, Focia PJ, Gross A Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2005 May;12(5):454-9. Epub 2005 Apr 24. PMID:15852022[2] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. See AlsoReferences
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