BK channels: the spring between sensor and gate.
K+ channels contain two main functional domains, an ion-selective pore and a sensor that determines whether the cytoplasmic pore gate is open or closed. In this issue of Neuron, Niu et al. provide compelling evidence that the link between sensor and gate is a remarkably simple mechanical spring.
Papazian
Diane M
DM
Department of Physiology and Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary / Q000502:physiology*
D015221:Potassium Channels; D002118:Calcium