Pore- and voltage sensor-targeted KCNQ openers have distinct state-dependent actions

Ion channels encoded by KCNQ2-5 generate a prominent K⁺ conductance in the central nervous system, referred to as the M current, which is controlled by membrane voltage and PIP2. The KCNQ2-5 voltage-gated potassium channels are targeted by a variety of activating compounds that cause negative shifts in the voltage dependence of activation. The underlying pharmacology of these effects is of growing interest because of possible clinical applications. Recent studies have revealed multiple binding sites and mechanisms of action of KCNQ activators. For example, retigabine targets the pore domain, but several compounds have been shown to influence the voltage-sensing domain. An important unexplored feature of these compounds is the influence of channel gating on drug binding or effects. In the present study, we compare the state-dependent actions of retigabine and ICA-069673 (ICA73, a voltage sensor-targeted activator). We assess drug binding to preopen states by applying drugs to homomeric KCNQ2 channels at different holding voltages, demonstrating little or no association of ICA73 with resting states. Using rapid solution switching, we also demonstrate that the rate of onset of ICA73 correlates with the voltage dependence of channel activation. Retigabine actions differ significantly, with prominent drug effects seen at very negative holding voltages and distinct voltage dependences of drug binding versus channel activation. Using similar approaches, we investigate the mechanistic basis for attenuation of ICA73 actions by the voltage-sensing domain mutation KCNQ2[A181P]. Our findings demonstrate different state-dependent actions of pore- versus voltage sensor-targeted KCNQ channel activators, which highlight that subtypes of this drug class operate with distinct mechanisms.