Key result
Mutations in the C-terminal half of the S4 segment and the S4-S5 linker of BK channels reduce or abolish Mg2+-dependent activation, indicating the voltage sensor is critical for this pathway.
The S4 voltage sensor in BK channels is critical for Mg2+-dependent activation, indicating that the coupling between the voltage sensor and channel gate is a converging point for voltage- and Mg2+-dependent activation pathways.
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Highlights BK channel voltage sensor as gating convergence point; leaves open translation to cardiovascular therapies.
Hu et al. (2003) studied this question. Mutations in S4 and S4-S5 linker of mslo1 BK channels vs. Wild-type mslo1 BK channels was evaluated on Mg2+ sensitivity of channel gating (G-V relations and free energy changes). Mutations in the C-terminal half of the S4 segment and the S4-S5 linker of BK channels reduce or abolish Mg2+-dependent activation, indicating the voltage sensor is critical for this pathway.
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