PIP2--the master key.
The function of inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels is highly diverse and therefore is tightly regulated by various environmental factors. In their article in this issue of Neuron, Rapedius et al. recognize a conserved structural mechanism for Kir channels gating by both pH and PIP2. In light of these findings and accumulated knowledge, PIP2 is suggested to have a common coregulatory role in the gating of Kir channels by all their soluble modulators.
Guy-David
Liora
L
Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
Reuveny
Eitan
E
D000818:Animals; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology*; D019269:Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate / Q000502:physiology*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / Q000502:physiology*
D019269:Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying