Insight into the Phospholipid-Binding Preferences of Kir3.4

The G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4 (Kir3.4) subunit forms functional tetramers. Previous studies have established that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is required for Kir3.4 function. However, the binding preferences of Kir3.4 for the headgroup and acyl chains of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositides (PIPs) and other lipids are not well understood. Here, the interactions between full-length, human Kir3.4 and lipids are characterized using native mass spectrometry (MS) in conjunction with a soluble fluorescent lipid-binding assay. Kir3.4 displays binding preferences for PIPs, and, in some cases, the degree of binding is influenced by the type of acyl chains. The interactions between Kir3.4 and PIPs are weaker in comparison to full-length, human Kir3.2. The binding of PI(4,5)P2 modified with a fluorophore to Kir3.2 can be enhanced by other lipids, such as phosphatidylcholine. Introduction of S143T, a mutation that enhances Kir3.4 activity, results in an overall reduction in the channel binding PIPs. In contrast, the D223N mutant of Kir3.4 that mimics the sodium-bound state exhibited stronger binding for PI(4,5)P2, particularly for those with 18:0–20:4 acyl chains. Taken together, these results provide additional insight into the interaction between Kir3.4 and lipids that are important for channel function.