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Structural Plasticity of the Selectivity Filter in Cation Channels
Kitty Hendriks1, Carl Öster1, Adam Lange1,2
1Department of Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany.
Frontiers in Physiology
|December 24, 2021
Summary
Structural plasticity in ion channel selectivity filters (SFs) allows for dynamic states, influencing ion flow. Understanding these conformational changes is key to ion channel gating mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Ion channels are crucial for cellular function, regulating ion transport across membranes.
- The selectivity filter (SF) in pore loop channels is a critical region for ion permeation and selectivity.
- Emerging evidence suggests dynamic and varied conformations of the SF in cation channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline modes of structural plasticity in the SFs of pore loop channels.
- To summarize recent findings on SF conformations, dynamics, and asymmetry.
- To discuss the role of SF structural plasticity in ion channel gating.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atomic structures from structural biology.
- Application of spectroscopic methods.
- Utilizing computational approaches.
Main Results:
- Identified modes of SF structural plasticity: disorder, asymmetry, and collapse.
- Documented multiple atomic structures showcasing varying SF conformations.
- Revealed asymmetric and dynamic states of the SF.
Conclusions:
- Structural plasticity of the SF is a fundamental determinant of ion channel gating.
- Dynamic conformational changes in the SF are integral to channel function.
- Further research into SF plasticity can elucidate ion channel mechanisms.
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