title: Biophysics of BK Channel Gating.
abstract: BK channels are universal regulators of cell excitability, given their exceptional unitary conductance selective for K(+), joint activation mechanism by membrane depolarization and intracellular [Ca(2+)] elevation, and broad expression pattern. In this chapter, we discuss the structural basis and operational principles of their activation, or gating, by membrane potential and calcium. We also discuss how the two activation mechanisms interact to culminate in channel opening. As members of the voltage-gated potassium channel superfamily, BK channels are discussed in the context of archetypal family members, in terms of similarities that help us understand their function, but also seminal structural and biophysical differences that confer unique functional properties.
authors.affiliation: David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pantazis
authors.affiliation: David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States. Electronic address: rolcese@ucla.edu.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Olcese
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites / Q000502:physiology; D001703:Biophysics; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology*; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D008958:Models, Molecular
chemical_list: D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D002118:Calcium
keywords: Allostery; Calcium signaling; Ion channel; Ligand-dependent activation; MaxiK; VSD; Voltage-dependent activation