A touching case of channel regulation: the ATP-sensitive K+ channel.
The classical type of KATP channel is an octameric (4:4) complex of two structurally unrelated subunits, Kir6.2 and SUR. The former serves as an ATP-inhibitable pore, while SUR is a regulatory subunit endowing sensitivity to sulphonylurea and K+ channel opener drugs, and the potentiatory action of MgADP. Both subunits are required to form a functional channel.
Tucker
S J
SJ
University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford, UK.
Ashcroft
F M
FM
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D064233:Sulfonylurea Receptors
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D064233:Sulfonylurea Receptors; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate