Insights into hERG K+ channel structure and function from NMR studies

Eur Biophys J. 2013 Jan;42(1):71-9. doi: 10.1007/s00249-012-0808-6. Epub 2012 May 3.

Abstract

The unique gating kinetics of hERG K(+) channels are critical for normal cardiac repolarization, and patients with mutations in hERG have a markedly increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. HERG K(+) channels are also remarkably promiscuous with respect to drug binding, which has been a very significant problem for the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we review the progress that has been made in understanding the structure and function of hERG K(+) channels with a particular focus on nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the domains of the hERG K(+) channel.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels
  • KCNH1 protein, human