Key result
Kv2.3r is a novel K+ channel alpha-subunit expressed exclusively in the brain that does not form functional channels on its own but coassembles selectively with other alpha-subunits to form heteromultimeric channels with modified kinetic properties.
The cloning of Kv2.3r reveals a novel regulatory alpha-subunit specific to the brain that modulates the kinetic properties of Kv2.1 channels, increasing the functional diversity of K+ channels.
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Advances brain K+ channel diversity models; leaves open any cardiovascular relevance or therapeutic translation.
The physiological diversity of K + channels mainly depends on the expression of several genes encoding different α-subunits. We have cloned a new K + channel α-subunit (Kv2.3r) that is unable to form functional channels on its own but that has a major regulatory function. Kv2.3r can coassemble selectively with other α-subunits to form functional heteromultimeric K + channels with kinetic properties that differ from those of the parent channels. Kv2.3r is expressed exclusively in the brain, being concentrated particularly in neocortical neurons. The functional expression of this regulatory α-subunit represents a novel mechanism without precedents in voltage-gated channels, which might contribute to further increase the functional diversity of K + channels necessary to specify the intrinsic electrical properties of individual neurons.
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Castellano et al. (1997) studied this question. Kv2.3r coexpression vs. Expression of K+ channel alpha-subunits alone was evaluated on K+ channel kinetic properties (activation and inactivation time courses). Kv2.3r is a novel K+ channel alpha-subunit expressed exclusively in the brain that does not form functional channels on its own but coassembles selectively with other alpha-subunits to form heteromultimeric channels with modified kinetic properties.
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