Alternative splicing contributes to K+ channel diversity in the mammalian central nervous system.
In an attempt to define the molecular basis of the functional diversity of K+ channels, we have isolated overlapping rat brain cDNAs that encoded a neuronal delayed rectifier K+ channel, K,4, that is structurally related to the Drosophila Shaw protein. Unlike previously characterized mammalian K+ channel genes, which each contain a single protein-coding exon, K,4 arises from alternative exon usage at a locus that also encodes another mammalian Shaw homolog, NGK2. Thus, the enormous diversity of K+ channels in mammals can be generated not just through gene duplication and divergence but also through alternative splicing of RNA.
Luneau
C J
CJ
Department of Pharmacology, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, West Point, PA 19486.
Williams
J B
JB
Marshall
J
J
Levitan
E S
ES
Oliva
C
C
Smith
J S
JS
Antanavage
J
J
Folander
K
K
Stein
R B
RB
Swanson
R
R
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression; D005796:Genes; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000235:genetics*; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats
D009841:Oligonucleotides; D015221:Potassium Channels; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004247:DNA