Biochemical characterization of the native Kv2.1 potassium channel

Jean Ju Chung, Min Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Functional diversity of potassium channels in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells suggests multiple levels of regulation. Posttranslational regulation includes differential subunit assembly of homologous pore-forming subunits. In addition, a variety of modulatory subunits may interact with the pore complex either statically or dynamically. Kv2.1 is a delayed rectifier potassium channel isolated by expression cloning. The native polypeptide has not been purified, hence composition of the Kv2.1 channel complexes was not well understood. Here we report a biochemical characterization of Kv2.1 channel complexes from both recombinant cell lines and native rat brain. The channel complexes behave as large macromolecular complexes with an apparent oligomeric size of 650 kDa as judged by gel filtration chromatography. The molecular complexes have distinct biochemical populations detectable by a panel of antibodies. This is indicative of functional heterogeneity. Despite mRNA distribution in a variety of tissues, the native Kv2.1 polypeptides are more abundantly found in brain and have predominantly Kv2.1 subunits but not homologous Kv2.2 subunits. The proteins precipitated by anti-Kv2.1 and their physiological relevance are of interest for further investigation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3743-3755
Number of pages13
JournalFEBS Journal
Volume272
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Channels
  • Oligomerization
  • Potassium
  • Proteomics
  • Purification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biochemical characterization of the native Kv2.1 potassium channel'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this