Calmodulin confers calcium sensitivity to the stability of the distal intracellular assembly domain of Kv7.2 channels

Sci Rep. 2017 Oct 18;7(1):13425. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-13811-4.

Abstract

Tetrameric coiled-coil structures are present in many ion channels, often adjacent to a calmodulin (CaM) binding site, although the relationship between the two is not completely understood. Here we examine the dynamic properties of the ABCD domain located in the intracellular C-terminus of tetrameric, voltage-dependent, potassium selective Kv7.2 channels. This domain encompasses the CaM binding site formed by helices A and B, followed by helix C, which is linked to the helix D coiled-coil. The data reveals that helix D stabilizes CaM binding, promoting trans-binding (CaM embracing neighboring subunits), and they suggest that the ABCD domain can be exchanged between subunits of the tetramer. Exchange is faster when mutations in AB weaken the CaM interaction. The exchange of ABCD domains is slower in the presence of Ca2+, indicating that CaM stabilization of the tetrameric assembly is enhanced when loaded with this cation. Our observations are consistent with a model that involves a dynamic mechanism of helix D assembly, which supports reciprocal allosteric coupling between the A-B module and the coiled-coil formed by the helix D. Thus, formation of the distal helix D tetramer influences CaM binding and CaM-dependent Kv7.2 properties, whereas reciprocally, CaM and Ca2+ influence the dynamic behavior of the helix D coiled-coil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calmodulin / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • KCNQ2 Potassium Channel / chemistry
  • KCNQ2 Potassium Channel / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Multimerization*

Substances

  • Calmodulin
  • KCNQ2 Potassium Channel
  • Calcium