Title: Inactivation properties of voltage-gated K+ channels altered by presence of beta-subunit.

Authors: J Rettig, S H Heinemann, F Wunder, C Lorra, D N Parcej, J O Dolly, O Pongs

Journal, date & volume: Nature, 1994 May 26 , 369, 289-94

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8183366

Abstract
Structural and functional diversity of voltage-gated Kv1-type potassium channels in rat brain is enhanced by the association of two different types of subunits, the membrane-bound, poreforming alpha-subunits and a peripheral beta-subunit. We have cloned a beta-subunit (Kv beta 1) that is specifically expressed in the rat nervous system. Association of Kv beta 1 with alpha-subunits confers rapid A-type inactivation on non-inactivating Kv1 channels (delayed rectifiers) in expression systems in vitro. This effect is mediated by an inactivating ball domain in the Kv beta 1 amino terminus.