Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6701
pubmed:dateCreated
1998-11-5
pubmed:abstractText
The slow afterhyperpolarization that follows an action potential is generated by the activation of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels). The slow afterhyperpolarization limits the firing frequency of repetitive action potentials (spike-frequency adaptation) and is essential for normal neurotransmission. SK channels are voltage-independent and activated by submicromolar concentrations of intracellular calcium. They are high-affinity calcium sensors that transduce fluctuations in intracellular calcium concentrations into changes in membrane potential. Here we study the mechanism of calcium gating and find that SK channels are not gated by calcium binding directly to the channel alpha-subunits. Instead, the functional SK channels are heteromeric complexes with calmodulin, which is constitutively associated with the alpha-subunits in a calcium-independent manner. Our data support a model in which calcium gating of SK channels is mediated by binding of calcium to calmodulin and subsequent conformational alterations in the channel protein.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Oct
pubmed:issn
0028-0836
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
1
pubmed:volume
395
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
503-7
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1998
pubmed:articleTitle
Mechanism of calcium gating in small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels.
pubmed:affiliation
Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't