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1: Science. 1998 Apr 3;280(5360):106-9.Click here to read Links
Comment in:
Science. 1998 Apr 3;280(5360):56-7.
Science. 1998 Aug 21;281(5380):1146.

Structural conservation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic potassium channels.

MacKinnon R, Cohen SL, Kuo A, Lee A, Chait BT.

Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Biophysics and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. mackinn@rockvax.rockefeller.edu

Toxins from scorpion venom interact with potassium channels. Resin-attached, mutant K+ channels from Streptomyces lividans were used to screen venom from Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus, and the toxins that interacted with the channel were rapidly identified by mass spectrometry. One of the toxins, agitoxin2, was further studied by mutagenesis and radioligand binding. The results show that a prokaryotic K+ channel has the same pore structure as eukaryotic K+ channels. This structural conservation, through application of techniques presented here, offers a new approach for K+ channel pharmacology.

PMID: 9525854 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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    Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney dis...

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