A Computer Model for the Pore of Potassium Channel: Oxygen Cage Mechanism.
We have constructed a structural motif for the pore of voltage-gated K(+) channel by computer modeling. The model developed here predicts that the narrowest part of the pore is formed by the four carbonyl oxygens of Gly444 or Gly446, and that the ion selectivity is achieved through "oxygen cage" mechanism. Residues 447, 448 and 449 make the external entrance to the narrowest part of the pore. Of these residues, 449 and 447 are believed to interact directly with TEA. This model agrees well with many available experimental data.
Zhao
Shan-Rong
SR
Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
Chen
Kai-Xian
KX
Tang
Yun
Y
Wang
Wei
W
Ji
Ru-Yun
RY