Diversity of Potassium Channel Ligands: Focus on Scorpion Toxins

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2015 Dec;80(13):1764-99. doi: 10.1134/S0006297915130118.

Abstract

Potassium (K+) channels are a widespread superfamily of integral membrane proteins that mediate selective transport of K+ ions through the cell membrane. They have been found in all living organisms from bacteria to higher multicellular animals, including humans. Not surprisingly, K+ channels bind ligands of different nature, such as metal ions, low molecular mass compounds, venom-derived peptides, and antibodies. Functionally these substances can be K+ channel pore blockers or modulators. Representatives of the first group occlude the channel pore, like a cork in a bottle, while the second group of ligands alters the operation of channels without physically blocking the ion current. A rich source of K+ channel ligands is venom of different animals: snakes, sea anemones, cone snails, bees, spiders, and scorpions. More than a half of the known K+ channel ligands of polypeptide nature are scorpion toxins (KTx), all of which are pore blockers. These compounds have become an indispensable molecular tool for the study of K+ channel structure and function. A recent special interest is the possibility of toxin application as drugs to treat diseases involving K+ channels or related to their dysfunction (channelopathies).

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Potassium Channel Blockers*
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Scorpions / metabolism*
  • Toxins, Biological*

Substances

  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Potassium Channels
  • Toxins, Biological