title: Assembly limits the pharmacological complexity of ATP-sensitive potassium channels.
abstract: ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) channels) are formed from an octameric complex of an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel (Kir6.1, Kir6.2) and a sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1, SUR2A, and SUR2B). In this study we have attempted to address the question of whether SUR heteromultimers can form using a combination of biochemical and electrophysiological approaches. We have constructed monoclonal stable lines in HEK293 cells co-expressing Kir6.2 with SUR1 and SUR2A. Using coimmunoprecipitation analysis with SUR isotype-specific antibodies two biochemical populations are distinguished, one containing SUR1 and the other SUR2A. It is not possible to detect immune complexes containing both SUR1 and SUR2A. Functional studies were undertaken and whole cell membrane currents were studied using the patch clamp. Concentrations of sulfonylureas and potassium channel openers were determined that selectively inhibited or activated SUR1/Kir6.2 and SUR2A/Kir6.2. In the cell line expressing SUR1/SUR2AKir6.2 we were unable to demonstrate a population of channels with unique pharmacological properties. Thus we conclude from these studies that heteromultimeric channel complexes containing both SUR1 and SUR2A are not formed, suggesting an incompatibility between different SUR subtypes. This incompatibility limits the pharmacological complexity of K(ATP) channels that may be observed in native tissues.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University College London, The Rayne Institute, London WC1E 6JJ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jonathan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Giblin
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Lucie H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Clapp
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tinker
mesh_terms: D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D006224:Cricetinae; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D011233:Precipitin Tests; D011485:Protein Binding; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D011817:Rabbits; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000737:chemistry; D064233:Sulfonylurea Receptors; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: 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; D011188:Potassium