Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv2.1 , Kv7.1

Title: KCNE1 alters the voltage sensor movements necessary to open the KCNQ1 channel gate.

Authors: Jeremiah D Osteen, Carlos González, Kevin J Sampson, Vivek Iyer, Santiago Rebolledo, H Peter Larsson, Robert S Kass

Journal, date & volume: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2010 Dec 28 , 107, 22710-5

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21149716

Abstract
The delayed rectifier I(Ks) potassium channel, formed by coassembly of α- (KCNQ1) and β- (KCNE1) subunits, is essential for cardiac function. Although KCNE1 is necessary to reproduce the functional properties of the native I(Ks) channel, the mechanism(s) through which KCNE1 modulates KCNQ1 is unknown. Here we report measurements of voltage sensor movements in KCNQ1 and KCNQ1/KCNE1 channels using voltage clamp fluorometry. KCNQ1 channels exhibit indistinguishable voltage dependence of fluorescence and current signals, suggesting a one-to-one relationship between voltage sensor movement and channel opening. KCNE1 coexpression dramatically separates the voltage dependence of KCNQ1/KCNE1 current and fluorescence, suggesting an imposed requirement for movements of multiple voltage sensors before KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel opening. This work provides insight into the mechanism by which KCNE1 modulates the I(Ks) channel and presents a mechanism for distinct β-subunit regulation of ion channel proteins.