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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Site Directed Spin Labeling and EPR Spectroscopic Studies of Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels
Published on: July 4, 2016
A molecular mechanism for proton-dependent gating in KcsA
Luis G Cuello1, D Marien Cortes, Vishwanath Jogini
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Proton concentration changes activate KcsA channel gating. A key charge cluster, involving specific residues, stabilizes the closed state at neutral pH and drives opening at low pH via electrostatic repulsion.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- KcsA channel activation is pH-dependent.
- A charge cluster near the inner gate is crucial for proton activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the role of the charge cluster in KcsA proton activation.
- To elucidate the mechanism of pH-dependent gating in KcsA.
Main Methods:
- Functional assays
- Spectroscopic approaches
Main Results:
- The charge cluster's role in proton activation was confirmed.
- Electrostatic interactions involving R117, E120, E118, and H25 drive channel opening.
- Electrostatic compensation stabilizes the closed state at neutral pH.
Conclusions:
- Disruption of electrostatic compensation at low pH facilitates channel opening.
- Helix-helix repulsion contributes to the transition to the open conformation.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Primary Active Transport
Primary Active Transport
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.

