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Determining the Likelihood of Variant Pathogenicity Using Amino Acid-level Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Genetic Variation
Published on: January 16, 2019
KvDB; mining and mapping sequence variants in voltage-gated potassium channels.
Lucy F Stead1, Ian C Wood, David R Westhead
1University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
Human Mutation
|June 5, 2010
Summary
We developed KvDB, a database for voltage-gated potassium channel variants. Disease-causing variants are often in specific channel segments, linking location to neurological or cardiac disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are crucial for cellular electrical activity.
- Kv channel dysfunction is linked to various human diseases.
- A comprehensive database of Kv channel variants is needed for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create KvDB, a specialized database for Kv channel variants.
- To analyze variant locations and their association with disease phenotypes.
- To provide insights into Kv channel function and disease mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Development of KvDB, a curated database of Kv channel variants.
- Analysis of variant topological locations within Kv channel structures.
- Structural mapping of functionally characterized variants.
Main Results:
- KvDB houses natural and experimental Kv channel variant data with analytical tools.
- Variants in S4, S4-S5, S5, S5-S6, and S6 segments are frequently disease-associated.
- Variant location correlates with specific disorders (e.g., voltage-sensing for neurological, pore for cardiac).
- LQT2 variants often in N-terminus, LQT1 variants in S4-S5, suggesting distinct disease mechanisms.
- Identified intersubunit interactions influencing Kv channel activation voltage.
Conclusions:
- KvDB provides a valuable resource for Kv channel research.
- Variant location is a key determinant of Kv channel-related disease.
- Mechanistic insights into Kv channel function and disease pathogenesis are gained through variant analysis.
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Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
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Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Non-gated Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Non-gated Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
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Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...

