ATP-sensitive potassium channels: a model of heteromultimeric potassium channel/receptor assemblies.
ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) play important roles in many cellular functions by coupling cell metabolism to electrical activity. By cloning members of the novel inwardly rectifying K+ channel subfamily Kir6.0 (Kir6.1 and Kir6.2) and the receptors for sulfonylureas (SUR1 and SUR2), researchers have clarified the molecular structure of KATP channels. KATP channels comprise two subunits: a Kir6.0 subfamily subunit, which is a member of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel family; and a SUR subunit, which is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein superfamily. KATP channels are the first example of a heteromultimeric complex assembled with a K+ channel and a receptor that are structurally unrelated to each other. Since 1995, molecular biological and molecular genetic studies of KATP channels have provided insights into the structure-function relationships, molecular regulation, and pathophysiological roles of KATP channels.
Seino
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Department of Molecular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. seino@molmed.m.chiba-u.ac.jp
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation / Q000502:physiology; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D064233:Sulfonylurea Receptors
C577507:ABCC8 protein, human; C577510:ABCC9 protein, human; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D064233:Sulfonylurea Receptors; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate