Potassium channels are the most diverse group of the ion channel family [, ]. They are important in shaping the action potential, and in neuronal excitability and plasticity []. The potassium channel family is composed of several functionally distinct isoforms, which can be broadly separated into 2 groups []: the practically non-inactivating 'delayed' group and the rapidly inactivating 'transient' group.These are all highly similar proteins, with only small amino acid changes causing the diversity of the voltage-dependent gating mechanism, channel conductance and toxin binding properties. Each type of K+channel is activated by different signals and conditions depending on their type of regulation: some open in response to depolarisation of the plasma membrane; others in response to hyperpolarisation or an increase in intracellular calcium concentration; some can be regulated by binding of a transmitter, together with intracellular kinases; while others are regulated by GTP-binding proteins or other second messengers []. In eukaryotic cells, K+channels are involved in neural signalling and generation of the cardiac rhythm, act as effectors in signal transduction pathways involving G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and may have a role in target cell lysis by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes []. In prokaryotic cells, they play a role in the maintenance of ionic homeostasis [].All K+channels discovered so far possess a core of alpha subunits, each comprising either one or two copies of a highly conserved pore loop domain (P-domain). The P-domain contains the sequence (T/SxxTxGxG), which has been termed the K+selectivity sequence. In families that contain one P-domain, four subunits assemble to form a selective pathway for K+across the membrane. However, it remains unclear how the 2 P-domain subunits assemble to form a selective pore. The functional diversity of these families can arise through homo- or hetero-associations of alpha subunits or association with auxiliary cytoplasmic beta subunits. K+channel subunits containing one pore domain can be assigned into one of two superfamilies: those that possess six transmembrane (TM) domains and those that possess only two TM domains. The six TM domain superfamily can be further subdivided into conserved gene families: the voltage-gated (Kv) channels; the KCNQ channels (originally known as KvLQT channels); the EAG-like K+channels; and three types of calcium (Ca)-activated K+channels (BK, IK and SK) []. The 2TM domain family comprises inward-rectifying K+channels. In addition, there are K+channel alpha-subunits that possess two P-domains. These are usually highly regulated K+selective leak channels.The Kv family can be divided into several subfamilies on the basis of sequence similarity and function. Four of these subfamilies, Kv1 (Shaker), Kv2 (Shab), Kv3 (Shaw) and Kv4 (Shal), consist of pore-forming alpha subunits that associate with different types of beta subunit. Each alpha subunit comprises six hydrophobic TM domains with a P-domain between the fifth and sixth, which partially resides in the membrane. The fourth TM domain has positively charged residues at every third residue and acts as a voltage sensor, which triggers the conformational change that opens the channel pore in response to a displacement in membrane potential []. More recently, 4 new electrically-silent alpha subunits have been cloned: Kv5 (KCNF), Kv6 (KCNG), Kv8 and Kv9 (KCNS). These subunits do not themselves possess any functional activity, but appear to form heteromeric channels with Kv2 subunits, and thus modulate Shab channel activity []. When highly expressed, they inhibit channel activity, but at lower levels show more specific modulatory actions.The first Kv1 sequence (also known as Shaker) was found in Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly). Several vertebrate potassium channels with similar amino acid sequences were subsequently found and, together with the D. melanogaster Shaker channel, now constitute the Kv1 family. The family consists of at least 6 genes (Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6) which each play distinct physiological roles. A conserved motif found towards the C terminus of these channels is required for efficient processing and surface expression []. Variations in this motif account for the differences in cell surface expression and localisation between family members. These channels are mostly expressed in the brain, but can also be found in non-excitable cells, such as lymphocytes []. This entry features the tandem inactivation domain found at the N terminus of the Kv1.4 potassium channel. It is composed of two subdomains. Inactivation domain 1 (ID1, residues 1-38) consists of a flexible N terminus anchored at a 5-turn helix, and is thought to work by occluding the ion pathway, as is the case with a classical ball domain. Inactivation domain 2 (ID2, residues 40-50) is a 2.5 turn helix with a high proportion of hydrophobic residues that probably serves to attach ID1 to the cytoplasmic face of the channel. In this way, it can promote rapid access of ID1 to the receptor site in the open channel. ID1 and ID2 function together to bring about fast inactivation of the Kv1.4 channel, which is important for the role of the channel in short-term plasticity [].
Potassium channels are the most diverse group of the ion channel family [, ]. They are important in shaping the action potential, and in neuronal excitability and plasticity []. The potassium channel family is composed of several functionally distinct isoforms, which can be broadly separated into 2 groups []: the practically non-inactivating 'delayed' group and the rapidly inactivating 'transient' group.These are all highly similar proteins, with only small amino acid changes causing the diversity of the voltage-dependent gating mechanism, channel conductance and toxin binding properties. Each type of K+channel is activated by different signals and conditions depending on their type of regulation: some open in response to depolarisation of the plasma membrane; others in response to hyperpolarisation or an increase in intracellular calcium concentration; some can be regulated by binding of a transmitter, together with intracellular kinases; while others are regulated by GTP-binding proteins or other second messengers []. In eukaryotic cells, K+channels are involved in neural signalling and generation of the cardiac rhythm, act as effectors in signal transduction pathways involving G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and may have a role in target cell lysis by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes []. In prokaryotic cells, they play a role in the maintenance of ionic homeostasis [].All K+channels discovered so far possess a core of alpha subunits, each comprising either one or two copies of a highly conserved pore loop domain (P-domain). The P-domain contains the sequence (T/SxxTxGxG), which has been termed the K+selectivity sequence. In families that contain one P-domain, four subunits assemble to form a selective pathway for K+across the membrane. However, it remains unclear how the 2 P-domain subunits assemble to form a selective pore. The functional diversity of these families can arise through homo- or hetero-associations of alpha subunits or association with auxiliary cytoplasmic beta subunits. K+channel subunits containing one pore domain can be assigned into one of two superfamilies: those that possess six transmembrane (TM) domains and those that possess only two TM domains. The six TM domain superfamily can be further subdivided into conserved gene families: the voltage-gated (Kv) channels; the KCNQ channels (originally known as KvLQT channels); the EAG-like K+channels; and three types of calcium (Ca)-activated K+channels (BK, IK and SK) []. The 2TM domain family comprises inward-rectifying K+channels. In addition, there are K+channel alpha-subunits that possess two P-domains. These are usually highly regulated K+selective leak channels.The Kv family can be divided into several subfamilies on the basis of sequence similarity and function. Four of these subfamilies, Kv1 (Shaker), Kv2 (Shab), Kv3 (Shaw) and Kv4 (Shal), consist of pore-forming alpha subunits that associate with different types of beta subunit. Each alpha subunit comprises six hydrophobic TM domains with a P-domain between the fifth and sixth, which partially resides in the membrane. The fourth TM domain has positively charged residues at every third residue and acts as a voltage sensor, which triggers the conformational change that opens the channel pore in response to a displacement in membrane potential []. More recently, 4 new electrically-silent alpha subunits have been cloned: Kv5 (KCNF), Kv6 (KCNG), Kv8 and Kv9 (KCNS). These subunits do not themselves possess any functional activity, but appear to form heteromeric channels with Kv2 subunits, and thus modulate Shab channel activity []. When highly expressed, they inhibit channel activity, but at lower levels show more specific modulatory actions.The first Kv1 sequence (also known as Shaker) was found in Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly). Several vertebrate potassium channels with similar amino acid sequences were subsequently found and, together with the D. melanogaster Shaker channel, now constitute the Kv1 family. The family consists of at least 6 genes (Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6) which each play distinct physiological roles. A conserved motif found towards the C terminus of these channels is required for efficient processing and surface expression []. Variations in this motif account for the differences in cell surface expression and localisation between family members. These channels are mostly expressed in the brain, but can also be found in non-excitable cells, such as lymphocytes []. This entry features the tandem inactivation domain superfamily found at the N terminus of the Kv1.4 potassium channel. It is composed of two subdomains. Inactivation domain 1 (ID1, residues 1-38) consists of a flexible N terminus anchored at a 5-turn helix, and is thought to work by occluding the ion pathway, as is the case with a classical ball domain. Inactivation domain 2 (ID2, residues 40-50) is a 2.5 turn helix with a high proportion of hydrophobic residues that probably serves to attach ID1 to the cytoplasmic face of the channel. In this way, it can promote rapid access of ID1 to the receptor site in the open channel. ID1 and ID2 function together to bring about fast inactivation of the Kv1.4 channel, which is important for the role of the channel in short-term plasticity [].
A number of eukaryotic proteins, which probably are sequence specific DNA-binding proteins that act as transcription factors, share a conserved domain of 40 to 50 amino acid residues. It has been proposed []that this domain is formed of two amphipathic helices joined by a variable length linker region that could form a loop. This 'helix-loop-helix' (HLH) domain mediates protein dimerization and has been found in the proteins listed below []. Most of these proteins have an extra basic region of about 15 amino acid residues that is adjacent to the HLH domain and specifically binds to DNA. They are referred as basic helix-loop-helix proteins (bHLH), and are classified in two groups: class A (ubiquitous) and class B (tissue-specific). Members of the bHLH family bind variations on the core sequence 'CANNTG', also referred to asthe E-box motif. The homo- or heterodimerization mediated by the HLH domain is independent of, but necessary for DNA binding, as two basic regions are required for DNA binding activity. The HLH proteins lacking the basic domain (Emc, Id) function as negative regulators, since they form heterodimers, but fail to bind DNA. The hairy-related proteins (hairy, E(spl), deadpan) also repress transcription although they can bind DNA. The proteins of this subfamily act together with co-repressor proteins, like groucho, through their -terminal motif WRPW.Proteins containing a HLH domain include:The myc family of cellular oncogenes [], which is currently known to contain four members: c-myc, N-myc, L-myc, and B-myc. The myc genes are thought to play a role in cellular differentiation and proliferation.Proteins involved in myogenesis (the induction of muscle cells). In mammals MyoD1 (Myf-3), myogenin (Myf-4), Myf-5, and Myf-6 (Mrf4 or herculin), in birds CMD1 (QMF-1), in Xenopus MyoD and MF25, in Caenorhabditis elegans CeMyoD, and in Drosophila nautilus (nau).Vertebrate proteins that bind specific DNA sequences ('E boxes') in various immunoglobulin chains enhancers: E2A or ITF-1 (E12/pan-2 and E47/pan-1), ITF-2 (tcf4), TFE3, and TFEB.Vertebrate neurogenic differentiation factor 1 that acts as differentiation factor during neurogenesis.Vertebrate MAX protein, a transcription regulator that forms a sequence- specific DNA-binding protein complex with myc or mad.Vertebrate Max Interacting Protein 1 (MXI1 protein) which acts as a transcriptional repressor and may antagonize myc transcriptional activity by competing for max.Proteins of the bHLH/PAS superfamily which are transcriptional activators. In mammals, AH receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), single-minded homologues (SIM1 and SIM2), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A), AH receptor (AHR), neuronal pas domain proteins (NPAS1 and NPAS2), endothelial pas domain protein 1 (EPAS1), mouse ARNT2, and human BMAL1. In Drosophila, single-minded (SIM), AH receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), trachealess protein (TRH), and similar protein (SIMA).Mammalian transcription factors HES, which repress transcription by acting on two types of DNA sequences, the E box and the N box.Mammalian MAD protein (max dimerizer) which acts as transcriptional repressor and may antagonize myc transcriptional activity by competing for max.Mammalian Upstream Stimulatory Factor 1 and 2 (USF1 and USF2), which bind to a symmetrical DNA sequence that is found in a variety of viral and cellular promoters.Human lyl-1 protein; which is involved, by chromosomal translocation, in T- cell leukemia.Human transcription factor AP-4.Mouse helix-loop-helix proteins MATH-1 and MATH-2 which activate E box- dependent transcription in collaboration with E47.Mammalian stem cell protein (SCL) (also known as tal1), a protein which may play an important role in hemopoietic differentiation. SCL is involved, by chromosomal translocation, in stem-cell leukemia.Mammalian proteins Id1 to Id4 []. Id (inhibitor of DNA binding) proteins lack a basic DNA-binding domain but are able to form heterodimers with other HLH proteins, thereby inhibiting binding to DNA.Drosophila extra-macrochaetae (emc) protein, which participates in sensory organ patterning by antagonizing the neurogenic activity of the achaete- scute complex. Emc is the homologue of mammalian Id proteins.Human Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 (SREBP-1), a transcriptional activator that binds to the sterol regulatory element 1 (SRE-1) found in the flanking region of the LDLR gene and in other genes.Drosophila achaete-scute (AS-C) complex proteins T3 (l'sc), T4 (scute), T5 (achaete) and T8 (asense). The AS-C proteins are involved in the determination of the neuronal precursors in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.Mammalian homologues of achaete-scute proteins, the MASH-1 and MASH-2 proteins.Drosophila atonal protein (ato) which is involved in neurogenesis.
