Newest Articles
Stoichiometry of retigabine action on KCNQ channelsRetigabine is a widely studied potassium channel activator that is thought to interact with a conserved Trp side chain in the pore domain of Kv7 subunits. Yau et al. demonstrate that drug sensitivity in just one of the four subunits is sufficient for a near-maximal response to retigabine.
Stoichiometry of ICA-069673 action on KCNQ channelsKv7 potassium channels are strongly activated by a variety of small molecules with diverse mechanisms of action. Wang et al. investigate a compound that targets the voltage-sensing domain, ICA-069673, and demonstrate that four drug-sensitive subunits are required for maximal effect.
Detecting voltage sensitivity in membrane proteinsThe identification of voltage-sensing elements in membrane proteins is challenging due to the diversity of voltage-sensing mechanisms. Kasimova et al. present a computational approach to predict the elements involved in voltage sensing, which they validate using voltage-gated ion channels.
ENaC selectivityThe origin of ion selectivity in epithelial Na+ channels and the closely related acid-sensing ion channels is uncertain. Yang and Palmer show that the site of ion selectivity in epithelial Na+ channels is more extracellular than that proposed for acid-sensing ion channels.
STIM1 controls Orai1 gating and pore propertiesThe quantitative relation between STIM1 binding to Orai1 and store-operated CRAC channel activation is not well understood. Yen and Lewis find that STIM1 must bind to all six Orai1 subunits to effectively open the channel and generate the high ion selectivity and low conductance seen in native cells.
Plasticity in microvillar photoreceptorsNeuronal plasticity in adulthood is important for adaptation to different environments. Frolov et al. show that rearing mature Periplaneta americana in prolonged light or dark leads to distinct changes in photoreceptor responses, suggesting remodeling of the light-sensitive membrane.
Structural dynamics of slow inactivation in NaV channelsVoltage-gated sodium channels undergo slow inactivation during prolonged depolarization by means of a mechanism that is poorly understood. Chatterjee et al. study this process spectroscopically and reveal conformational flexibility of the pore region in the slow-inactivated state.
Current Issue
September 3, 2018
Volume 150, No. 9
Submit your Research
Reviews & Opinions
- Predicting voltage sensing
New method predicts the molecular basis of membrane proteins’ voltage sensitivity.
- Toward an understanding of the structural basis of allostery in muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
Burger et al. summarize our mechanistic understanding of allostery in the prototypical GPCR, the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor.
Most Read
Advertisement
Yeung and Prakriya highlight new research showing that STIM1 must bind to all six Orai1 subunits to effectively activate the channel.