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KCNE2 confers background current characteristics to the cardiac KCNQ1 potassium channel
Author(s) -
Tinel Norbert,
Diochot Sylvie,
Borsotto Marc,
Lazdunski Michel,
Barhanin Jacques
Publication year - 2000
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 - 10.1093/emboj/19.23.6326
Subject(s) - herg , biology , potassium channel , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , gating , mutation , short qt syndrome , long qt syndrome , protein subunit , biophysics , gene , medicine , qt interval
Mutations in HERG and KCNQ1 (or KVLQT1 ) genes cause the life‐threatening Long QT syndrome. These genes encode K + channel pore‐forming subunits that associate with ancillary subunits from the KCNE family to underlie the two components, I Kr and I Ks , of the human cardiac delayed rectifier current I K . The KCNE family comprises at least three members. KCNE1 (IsK or MinK) recapitulates I Ks when associated with KCNQ1, whereas it augments the amplitude of an I Kr ‐like current when co‐expressed with HERG. KCNE3 markedly changes KCNQ1 as well as HERG current properties. So far, KCNE2 (MirP1) has only been shown to modulate HERG current. Here we demonstrate the interaction of KCNE2 with the KCNQ1 subunit, which results in a drastic change of KCNQ1 current amplitude and gating properties. Furthermore, KCNE2 mutations also reveal their specific functional consequences on KCNQ1 currents. KCNQ1 and HERG appear to share unique interactions with KCNE1, 2 and 3 subunits. With the exception of KCNE3, mutations in all these partner subunits have been found to lead to an increased propensity for cardiac arrhythmias.