Title: Biophysical and molecular mechanisms of Shaker potassium channel inactivation.

Authors: T Hoshi, W N Zagotta, R W Aldrich

Journal, date & volume: Science, 1990 Oct 26 , 250, 533-8

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2122519

Abstract
The potassium channels encoded by the Drosophila Shaker gene activate and inactivate rapidly when the membrane potential becomes more positive. Site-directed mutagenesis and single-channel patch-clamp recording were used to explore the molecular transitions that underlie inactivation in Shaker potassium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. A region near the amino terminus with an important role in inactivation has now been identified. The results suggest a model where this region forms a cytoplasmic domain that interacts with the open channel to cause inactivation.