Primary structure and functional expression of a cGMP-gated potassium channel

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1995 Dec 5;92(25):11711-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.92.25.11711.

Abstract

Cyclic nucleotides modulate potassium (K) channel activity in many cells and are thought to act indirectly by inducing channel protein phosphorylation. Herein we report the isolation from rabbit of a gene encoding a K channel (Kcn1) that is specifically activated by cGMP and not by cAMP. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence (725 amino acids) indicates that, in addition to a core region that is highly homologous to Shaker K channels, Kcn1 also contains a cysteine-rich region similar to that of ligand-gated ion channels and a cyclic nucleotide-binding region. Northern blot analysis detects gene expression in kidney, aorta, and brain. Kcn1 represents a class of K channels that may be specifically regulated by cGMP and could play an important role in mediating the effects of substances, such as nitric oxide, that increase intracellular cGMP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cyclic GMP / metabolism*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Gene Library
  • Ion Channel Gating*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • Phylogeny
  • Potassium / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channels / classification
  • Potassium Channels / genetics*
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Protein Conformation
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rabbits
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Xenopus

Substances

  • Kcn1 protein, Oryctolagus cuniculus
  • Potassium Channels
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Cyclic GMP
  • Potassium

Associated data

  • GENBANK/U38182
  • GENBANK/U38183