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Functional analysis of a structural model of the ATP‐binding site of the K ATP channel Kir6.2 subunit
Author(s) -
Antcliff Jennifer F,
Haider Shozeb,
Proks Peter,
Sansom Mark SP,
Ashcroft Frances M
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600487
Subject(s) - library science , biology , computer science
ATP‐sensitive potassium (K ATP ) channels couple cell metabolism to electrical activity by regulating K + flux across the plasma membrane. Channel closure is mediated by ATP, which binds to the pore‐forming subunit (Kir6.2). Here we use homology modelling and ligand docking to construct a model of the Kir6.2 tetramer and identify the ATP‐binding site. The model is consistent with a large amount of functional data and was further tested by mutagenesis. Ligand binding occurs at the interface between two subunits. The phosphate tail of ATP interacts with R201 and K185 in the C‐terminus of one subunit, and with R50 in the N‐terminus of another; the N6 atom of the adenine ring interacts with E179 and R301 in the same subunit. Mutation of residues lining the binding pocket reduced ATP‐dependent channel inhibition. The model also suggests that interactions between the C‐terminus of one subunit and the ‘slide helix’ of the adjacent subunit may be involved in ATP‐dependent gating. Consistent with a role in gating, mutations in the slide helix bias the intrinsic channel conformation towards the open state.