Molecular recognition and self-assembly special feature: Calix[4]arene-based conical-shaped ligands for voltage-dependent potassium channels.
Potassium channels are among the core functional elements of life because they underpin essential cellular functions including excitability, homeostasis, and secretion. We present here a series of multivalent calix[4]arene ligands that bind to the surface of voltage-dependent potassium channels (K(v)1.x) in a reversible manner. Molecular modeling correctly predicts the best candidates with a conical C(4) symmetry for optimal binding, and the effects on channel function are assessed electrophysiologically. Reversible inhibition was observed, without noticeable damage of the oocytes, for tetraacylguanidinium or tetraarginine members of the series with small lower rim O-substituents. Apparent binding constants were in the low micromolar range and had Hill coefficients of 1, consistent with a single site of binding. Suppression of current amplitude was accompanied by a positive shift in the voltage dependence of gating and slowing of both voltage sensor motion and channel opening. These effects are in keeping with expectations for docking in the central pore and interaction with the pore domain "turret."
Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, Avinguda Països Catalans 16, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
Vera
V
Martos
Sarah C
SC
Bell
Eva
E
Santos
Ehud Y
EY
Isacoff
Dirk
D
Trauner
Javier
J
de Mendoza
D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D047250:Calixarenes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D051663:Kv1.2 Potassium Channel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D008024:Ligands; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D010636:Phenols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D011485:Protein Binding; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D014982:Xenopus laevis
D051663:Kv1.2 Potassium Channel; D008024:Ligands; D010636:Phenols; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; C121325:calix(4)arene; D047250:Calixarenes