Demonstrates that voltage-dependent K+ channels from different subfamilies (Shaker and Shaw) can assemble to form heteromultimeric channels with inherited characteristics.
Does not support immediate changes in cardiovascular therapy; leaves open functional roles of heteromultimeric K+ channels in disease models.
Single K+ channels were recorded under the cell-attached mode in Xenopus oocytes injected with an equal amount of mRNAs coding for NGK1 (Kv1.2) and NGK2 (Kv3.1a) voltage-dependent K+ channels. A new class of channels of 20 pS in conductance with three degrees of inactivation was observed. The results suggest that voltage-dependent NGK1 Shaker and NGK2 Shaw K+ channels, from different subfamilies, assemble to form heteromultimeric K+ channels in Xenopus oocytes and show characteristics inherited from two parental channels.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hoshi et al. (1995) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: