Gomis-Perez…Villarroel {J Cell Sci 128: 3155}
Interactions between the TW helix and cartoon showing the configurations that can yield functional channels and those lacking the TW motif and carrying a mutation that result in non-functional channels
An unconventional calmodulin-anchoring site within the AB module of Kv7.2 channels
Gomis-Perez C, Alaimo A, Fernandez-Orth J, Alberdi A, Aivar-Mateo P, Bernardo-Seisdedos G, Malo C, Areso P, Felipe A, Villarroel A.
J Cell Sci. 2015 Aug; 128: 3155 [Epub 6 Jul 2015].
Calmodulin (CaM) binding to the AB module is crucial for multiple mechanisms governing the function of Kv7.2 (also known as KCNQ2) K(+) channel subunits, which mediate one of the main components of the non-inactivating K(+) M-current, a key controller of neuronal excitability. Structural analysis indicates that the CaM N-lobe engages with helix B, whereas the C-lobe anchors to the IQ site within helix A. Here, we report the identification of a new site between helices A and B that assists in CaM binding whose sequence is reminiscent of the TW helix within the CaM C-lobe anchoring site of SK2 K(+) channels (also known as KCNN2). Mutations that disrupt CaM binding within the TW site, helix B or helix A yield functional channels, whereas no function is observed when the TW site and helix A, or the TW site and helix B are mutated simultaneously. Our data indicate that the TW site is dispensable for function, contributes to the stabilization of the CaM-Kv7.2 complex and becomes essential when docking to either helix A or when helix B is perturbed.
PubMed: 26148514. Doi: 10.1242/jcs.174128
