X-ray structure of a voltage-dependent K+ channel

Nature. 2003 May 1;423(6935):33-41. doi: 10.1038/nature01580.

Abstract

Voltage-dependent K+ channels are members of the family of voltage-dependent cation (K+, Na+ and Ca2+) channels that open and allow ion conduction in response to changes in cell membrane voltage. This form of gating underlies the generation of nerve and muscle action potentials, among other processes. Here we present the structure of KvAP, a voltage-dependent K+ channel from Aeropyrum pernix. We have determined a crystal structure of the full-length channel at a resolution of 3.2 A, and of the isolated voltage-sensor domain at 1.9 A, both in complex with monoclonal Fab fragments. The channel contains a central ion-conduction pore surrounded by voltage sensors, which form what we call 'voltage-sensor paddles'-hydrophobic, cationic, helix-turn-helix structures on the channel's outer perimeter. Flexible hinges suggest that the voltage-sensor paddles move in response to membrane voltage changes, carrying their positive charge across the membrane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Archaeal Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Archaeal Proteins / chemistry*
  • Archaeal Proteins / immunology
  • Archaeal Proteins / metabolism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Desulfurococcaceae / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / immunology
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / chemistry*
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / immunology
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Archaeal Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated

Associated data

  • PDB/1ORQ
  • PDB/1ORS