For those interested in the machinery of ion channel gating, the Ca 2+ and voltage-activated BK K + channel provides a compelling topic for investigation, by virtue of its dual allosteric regulation by both voltage and intracellular Ca 2+ and because its large-single channel conductance facilitates detailed kinetic analysis. Over the years, biophysical analyses have illuminated details of the allosteric regulation of BK channels and revealed insights into the mechanism of BK gating, e.g., inner cavity size and accessibility and voltage sensor-pore coupling. Now the publication of two structures of an Aplysia californica BK channel—one liganded and one metal free—promises to reinvigorate functional studies and interpretation of biophysical results. The new structures confirm some of the previous functional inferences but also suggest new perspectives regarding cooperativity between Ca 2+ -binding sites and the relationship between voltage- and Ca 2+ -dependent gating. Here we consider the extent to which the two structures explain previous functional data on pore-domain properties, voltage-sensor motions, and divalent cation binding and activation of the channel.

Paxilline, a tremorogenic fungal alkaloid, potently inhibits large conductance Ca 2+ - and voltage-activated K + (BK)-type channels, but little is known about the mechanism underlying this inhibition. Here we show that inhibition is inversely dependent on BK channel open probability (Po), and is fully relieved by conditions that increase Po, even in the constant presence of paxilline. Manipulations that shift BK gating to more negative potentials reduce inhibition by paxilline in accordance with the increase in channel Po. Measurements of Po times the number of channels at negative potentials support the idea that paxilline increases occupancy of closed states, effectively reducing the closed–open equilibrium constant, L(0). Gating current measurements exclude an effect of paxilline on voltage sensors. Steady-state inhibition by multiple paxilline concentrations was determined for four distinct equilibration conditions, each with a distinct Po. The IC 50 for paxilline shifted from around 10 nM when channels were largely closed to near 10 µM as maximal Po was approached. Model-dependent analysis suggests a mechanism of inhibition in which binding of a single paxilline molecule allosterically alters the intrinsic L(0) favoring occupancy of closed states, with affinity for the closed conformation being >500-fold greater than affinity for the open conformation. The rate of inhibition of closed channels was linear up through 2 µM paxilline, with a slope of 2 × 10 6 M −1 s −1 . Paxilline inhibition was hindered by either the bulky cytosolic blocker, bbTBA, or by concentrations of cytosolic sucrose that hinder ion permeation. However, paxilline does not hinder MTSET modification of the inner cavity residue, A313C. We conclude that paxilline binds more tightly to the closed conformation, favoring occupancy of closed-channel conformations, and propose that it binds to a superficial position near the entrance to the central cavity, but does not hinder access of smaller molecules to this cavity.

Rat and mouse adrenal medullary chromaffin cells (CCs) express an inactivating BK current. This inactivation is thought to arise from the assembly of up to four β2 auxiliary subunits (encoded by the kcnmb2 gene) with a tetramer of pore-forming Slo1 α subunits. Although the physiological consequences of inactivation remain unclear, differences in depolarization-evoked firing among CCs have been proposed to arise from the ability of β2 subunits to shift the range of BK channel activation. To investigate the role of BK channels containing β2 subunits, we generated mice in which the gene encoding β2 was deleted (β2 knockout [KO]). Comparison of proteins from wild-type (WT) and β2 KO mice allowed unambiguous demonstration of the presence of β2 subunit in various tissues and its coassembly with the Slo1 α subunit. We compared current properties and cell firing properties of WT and β2 KO CCs in slices and found that β2 KO abolished inactivation, slowed action potential (AP) repolarization, and, during constant current injection, decreased AP firing. These results support the idea that the β2-mediated shift of the BK channel activation range affects repetitive firing and AP properties. Unexpectedly, CCs from β2 KO mice show an increased tendency toward spontaneous burst firing, suggesting that the particular properties of BK channels in the absence of β2 subunits may predispose to burst firing.

During passage through the female reproductive tract, mammalian sperm undergo a maturation process termed capacitation that renders sperm competent to produce fertilization. Capacitation involves a sequence of changes in biochemical and electrical properties, the onset of a hyperactivated swimming behavior, and development of the ability to undergo successful fusion and penetration with an egg. In mouse sperm, the development of hyperactivated motility is dependent on cytosolic alkalization that then results in an increase in cytosolic Ca 2+ . The elevation of Ca 2+ is thought to be primarily driven by the concerted interplay of two alkalization-activated currents, a K + current (KSPER) composed of pore-forming subunits encoded by the Kcnu1 gene (also termed Slo3 ) and a Ca 2+ current arising from a family of CATSPER subunits. After deletion of any of four CATSPER subunit genes (CATSPER1–4), the major remaining current in mouse sperm is alkalization-activated KSPER current. After genetic deletion of the Slo3 gene, KSPER current is abolished, but there remains a small voltage-activated K + current hypothesized to reflect monovalent flux through CATSPER. Here, we address two questions. First, does the residual outward K + current present in the Slo3 −/− sperm arise from CATSPER? Second, can any additional membrane K + currents be detected in mouse sperm by patch-clamp methods other than CATSPER and KSPER? Here, using mice bred to lack both SLO3 and CATSPER1 subunits, we show conclusively that the voltage-activated outward current present in Slo3 −/− sperm is abolished when CATSPER is also deleted. Any leak currents that may play a role in setting the resting membrane potential in noncapacitated sperm are likely smaller than the pipette leak current and thus cannot be resolved within the limitation of the patch-clamp technique. Together, KSPER and CATSPER appear to be the sole ion channels present in mouse sperm that regulate membrane potential and Ca 2+ influx in response to alkalization.

The tremorogenic fungal metabolite, paxilline, is widely used as a potent and relatively specific blocker of Ca 2+ - and voltage-activated Slo1 (or BK) K + channels. The pH-regulated Slo3 K + channel, a Slo1 homologue, is resistant to blockade by paxilline. Taking advantage of the marked differences in paxilline sensitivity and the homology between subunits, we have examined the paxilline sensitivity of a set of chimeric Slo1/Slo3 subunits. Paxilline sensitivity is associated with elements of the S5–P loop–S6 module of the Slo1 channel. Replacement of the Slo1 S5 segment or the second half of the P loop results in modest changes in paxilline sensitivity. Replacing the Slo1 S6 segment with the Slo3 sequence abolishes paxilline sensitivity. An increase in paxilline affinity and changes in block kinetics also result from replacing the first part of the Slo1 P loop, the so-called turret, with Slo3 sequence. The Slo1 and Slo3 S6 segments differ at 10 residues. Slo1-G311S was found to markedly reduce paxilline block. In constructs with a Slo3 S6 segment, S300G restored paxilline block, but most effectively when paired with a Slo1 P loop. Other S6 residues differing between Slo1 and Slo3 had little influence on paxilline block. The involvement of Slo1 G311 in paxilline sensitivity suggests that paxilline may occupy a position within the central cavity or access its blocking position through the central cavity. To explain the differences in paxilline sensitivity between Slo1 and Slo3, we propose that the G311/S300 position in Slo1 and Slo3 underlies a structural difference between subunits in the bend of S6, which influences the occupancy by paxilline.

Blockade of large-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + (BK) channels by the bulky quaternary ammonium compound, N -(4-[benzoyl]benzyl)- N , N , N -tributylammonium (bbTBA), exhibits features consistent with blockade of both closed and open states. Here, we examine block of closed BK channels by bbTBA and how it may differ from block of open channels. Although our observations generally confirm earlier results, we describe three observations that are inconsistent with a model in which closed and open channels are equally accessible to blockade by bbTBA. First, block by bbTBA exhibits Ca 2+ -dependent features that are inconsistent with strictly state-independent block. Second, the steady-state voltage dependence of bbTBA block at negative potentials shows that any block of completely closed states either does not occur or is completely voltage independent. Third, determination of the fractional unblock by bbTBA at either low or high Ca 2+ reveals deviations from a model in which open- and closed-state block is identical. The results support the view that bbTBA blockade of fully closed channels does not occur. We imagine two general types of explanation. First, a stronger voltage dependence of closed-channel block may minimize the contribution of closed-channel block at negative potentials. Second, voltage-dependent conformational changes among closed-channel states may permit block by bbTBA. The analysis supports the latter view, suggesting that bbTBA blockade of fully closed channels does not occur, but the ability of bbTBA to block a closed channel requires movement of one or more voltage sensors. Models in which block is coupled to voltage sensor movement can qualitatively account for (1) the ability of open-channel block to better fit block of conductance–voltage curves at high Ca 2+ ; (2) the voltage dependence of fractional availability; and (3) the fractional unblock at different open probabilities. BK channels appear to undergo voltage-dependent conformational changes among closed states that are permissive for bbTBA block.

N termini of auxiliary β subunits that produce inactivation of large-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + (BK) channels reach their pore-blocking position by first passing through side portals into an antechamber separating the BK pore module and the large C-terminal cytosolic domain. Previous work indicated that the β2 subunit inactivation domain is protected from digestion by trypsin when bound in the inactivated conformation. Other results suggest that, even when channels are closed, an inactivation domain can also be protected from digestion by trypsin when bound within the antechamber. Here, we provide additional tests of this model and examine its applicability to other β subunit N termini. First, we show that specific mutations in the β2 inactivation segment can speed up digestion by trypsin under closed-channel conditions, supporting the idea that the β2 N terminus is protected by binding within the antechamber. Second, we show that cytosolic channel blockers distinguish between protection mediated by inactivation and protection under closed-channel conditions, implicating two distinct sites of protection. Together, these results confirm the idea that β2 N termini can occupy the BK channel antechamber by interaction at some site distinct from the BK central cavity. In contrast, the β3a N terminus is digested over 10-fold more quickly than the β2 N terminus. Analysis of factors that contribute to differences in digestion rates suggests that binding of an N terminus within the antechamber constrains the trypsin accessibility of digestible basic residues, even when such residues are positioned outside the antechamber. Our analysis indicates that up to two N termini may simultaneously be protected from digestion. These results indicate that inactivation domains have sites of binding in addition to those directly involved in inactivation.

The KCNMB3 gene encodes one of a family of four auxiliary β subunits found in the mammalian genome that associate with Slo1 α subunits and regulate BK channel function. In humans, the KCNMB3 gene contains four N-terminal alternative exons that produce four functionally distinct β3 subunits, β3a–d. Three variants, β3a–c, exhibit kinetically distinct inactivation behaviors. Since investigation of the physiological roles of BK auxiliary subunits will depend on studies in rodents, here we have determined the identity and functional properties of mouse β3 variants. Whereas β1, β2, and β4 subunits exhibit 83.2%, 95.3%, and 93.8% identity between mouse and human, the mouse β3 subunit, excluding N-terminal splice variants, shares only 62.8% amino acid identity with its human counterpart. Based on an examination of the mouse genome and screening of mouse cDNA libraries, here we have identified only two N-terminal candidates, β3a and β3b, of the four found in humans. Both human and mouse β3a subunits produce a characteristic use-dependent inactivation. Surprisingly, whereas the hβ3b exhibits rapid inactivation, the putative mβ3b does not inactivate. Furthermore, unlike hβ3, the mβ3 subunit, irrespective of the N terminus, mediates a shift in gating to more negative potentials at a given Ca 2+ concentration. The shift in gating gradually is lost following patch excision, suggesting that the gating shift involves some regulatory process dependent on the cytosolic milieu. Examination of additional genomes to assess conservation among splice variants suggests that the putative mβ3b N terminus may not be a true orthologue of the hβ3b N terminus and that both β3c and β3d appear likely to be primate-specific N-terminal variants. These results have three key implications: first, functional properties of homologous β3 subunits may differ among mammalian species; second, the specific physiological roles of homologous β3 subunits may differ among mammalian species; and, third, some β3 variants may be primate-specific ion channel subunits.

Here we have examined the voltage and pH dependence of unitary Slo3 channels and used analysis of current variance to define Slo3 unitary current properties over a broader range of voltages. Despite complexity in Slo3 channel openings that precludes simple definition of the unitary conductance, average current through single Slo3 channels varies linearly with voltage at positive activation potentials. Furthermore, the average Slo3 unitary current at a given activation potential does not change with pH. Consistent with macroscopic conductance estimates, the apparent open probability of Slo3 channel exhibits a pH-dependent maximum, with limiting values around 0.3 at the most elevated pH and voltage. Estimates of Slo3 conductance at negative potentials support a weaker intrinsic voltage dependence of gating than is observed for Slo1. For the pH-regulated Slo3 K + channel, the dependence of macroscopic conductance on pH suggests that the pH-sensitive mechanism regulates gating in an allosteric manner qualitatively similar to regulation of Slo1 by Ca 2+ . Together, the results support the view that the regulation of macroscopic Slo3 currents by pH reflects regulation of gating equilibria, and not a direct effect of pH on ion permeation. Specifically, both voltage and pH regulate a closed–open conformational change in a largely independent fashion.

The mouse Slo3 gene (KCNMA3) encodes a K + channel that is regulated by changes in cytosolic pH. Like Slo1 subunits responsible for the Ca 2+ and voltage-activated BK-type channel, the Slo3 α subunit contains a pore module with homology to voltage-gated K + channels and also an extensive cytosolic C terminus thought to be responsible for ligand dependence. For the Slo3 K + channel, increases in cytosolic pH promote channel activation, but very little is known about many fundamental properties of Slo3 currents. Here we define the dependence of macroscopic conductance on voltage and pH and, in particular, examine Slo3 conductance activated at negative potentials. Using this information, the ability of a Horrigan-Aldrich–type of general allosteric model to account for Slo3 gating is examined. Finally, the pH and voltage dependence of Slo3 activation and deactivation kinetics is reported. The results indicate that Slo3 differs from Slo1 in several important ways. The limiting conductance activated at the most positive potentials exhibits a pH-dependent maximum, suggesting differences in the limiting open probability at different pH. Furthermore, over a 600 mV range of voltages (−300 to +300 mV), Slo3 conductance shifts only about two to three orders of magnitude, and the limiting conductance at negative potentials is relatively voltage independent compared to Slo1. Within the context of the Horrigan-Aldrich model, these results indicate that the intrinsic voltage dependence ( z L ) of the Slo3 closed–open equilibrium and the coupling ( D ) between voltage sensor movement are less than in Slo1. The kinetic behavior of Slo3 currents also differs markedly from Slo1. Both activation and deactivation are best described by two exponential components, both of which are only weakly voltage dependent. Qualitatively, the properties of the two kinetic components in the activation time course suggest that increases in pH increase the fraction of more rapidly opening channels.

Proteins arising from the Slo family assemble into homotetramers to form functional large-conductance, Ca 2+ - and voltage-activated K + channels, or BK channels. These channels are also found in association with accessory β subunits, which modulate several aspects of channel gating and expression. Coexpression with either of two such subunits, β2 or β3b, confers time-dependent inactivation onto BK currents. mSlo1+β3b channels display inactivation that is very rapid but incomplete. Previous studies involving macroscopic recordings from these channels have argued for the existence of a second, short-lived conducting state in rapid equilibrium with the nonconducting, inactivated conformation. This state has been termed “pre-inactivated,” or O*. β2-mediated inactivation, in contrast, occurs more slowly but is virtually complete at steady state. Here we demonstrate, using both macroscopic and single channel current recordings, that a preinactivated state is also a property of mSlo1+β2 channels. Detection of this state is enhanced by a mutation (W4E) within the initial β2 NH 2 -terminal segment critical for inactivation. This mutation increases the rate of recovery to the preinactivated open state, yielding macroscopic inactivation properties qualitatively more similar to those of β3b. Furthermore, short-lived openings corresponding to entry into the preinactivated state can be observed directly with single-channel recording. By examining the initial openings after depolarization of a channel containing β2-W4E, we show that channels can arrive directly at the preinactivated state without passing through the usual long-lived open conformation. This final result suggests that channel opening and inactivation are at least partly separable in this channel. Mechanistically, the preinactivated and inactivated conformations may correspond to binding of the β subunit NH 2 terminus in the vicinity of the cytoplasmic pore mouth, followed by definitive movement of the NH 2 terminus into a position of occlusion within the ion-conducting pathway.

Mutational analyses have suggested that BK channels are regulated by three distinct divalent cation-dependent regulatory mechanisms arising from the cytosolic COOH terminus of the pore-forming α subunit. Two mechanisms account for physiological regulation of BK channels by μM Ca 2+ . The third may mediate physiological regulation by mM Mg 2+ . Mutation of five aspartate residues (5D5N) within the so-called Ca 2+ bowl removes a portion of a higher affinity Ca 2+ dependence, while mutation of D362A/D367A in the first RCK domain also removes some higher affinity Ca 2+ dependence. Together, 5D5N and D362A/D367A remove all effects of Ca 2+ up through 1 mM while E399A removes a portion of low affinity regulation by Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ . If each proposed regulatory effect involves a distinct divalent cation binding site, the divalent cation selectivity of the actual site that defines each mechanism might differ. By examination of the ability of various divalent cations to activate currents in constructs with mutationally altered regulatory mechanisms, here we show that each putative regulatory mechanism exhibits a unique sensitivity to divalent cations. Regulation mediated by the Ca 2+ bowl can be activated by Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ , while regulation defined by D362/D367 can be activated by Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , and Cd 2+ . Mn 2+ , Co 2+ , and Ni 2+ produce little observable effect through the high affinity regulatory mechanisms, while all six divalent cations enhance activation through the low affinity mechanism defined by residue E399. Furthermore, each type of mutation affects kinetic properties of BK channels in distinct ways. The Ca 2+ bowl mainly accelerates activation of BK channels at low [Ca 2+ ], while the D362/D367-related high affinity site influences both activation and deactivation over the range of 10–300 μM Ca 2+ . The major kinetic effect of the E399-related low affinity mechanism is to slow deactivation at mM Mg 2+ or Ca 2+ . The results support the view that three distinct divalent-cation binding sites mediate regulation of BK channels.

An auxiliary β2 subunit, when coexpressed with Slo α subunits, produces inactivation of the resulting large-conductance, Ca 2+ and voltage-dependent K + (BK-type) channels. Inactivation is mediated by the cytosolic NH 2 terminus of the β2 subunit. To understand the structural requirements for inactivation, we have done a mutational analysis of the role of the NH 2 terminus in the inactivation process. The β2 NH 2 terminus contains 46 residues thought to be cytosolic to the first transmembrane segment (TM1). Here, we address two issues. First, we define the key segment of residues that mediates inactivation. Second, we examine the role of the linker between the inactivation segment and TM1. The results show that the critical determinant for inactivation is an initial segment of three amino acids (residues 2–4: FIW) after the initiation methionine. Deletions that scan positions from residue 5 through residue 36 alter inactivation, but do not abolish it. In contrast, deletion of FIW or combinations of point mutations within the FIW triplet abolish inactivation. Mutational analysis of the three initial residues argues that inactivation does not result from a well-defined structure formed by this epitope. Inactivation may be better explained by linear entry of the NH 2 -terminal peptide segment into the permeation pathway with residue hydrophobicity and size influencing the onset and recovery from inactivation. Examination of the ability of artificial, polymeric linkers to support inactivation suggests that a variety of amino acid sequences can serve as adequate linkers as long as they contain a minimum of 12 residues between the first transmembrane segment and the FIW triplet. Thus, neither a specific distribution of charge on the linker nor a specific structure in the linker is required to support the inactivation process.

Both β1 and β2 auxiliary subunits of the BK-type K + channel family profoundly regulate the apparent Ca 2 + sensitivity of BK-type Ca 2 +-activated K + channels. Each produces a pronounced leftward shift in the voltage of half-activation (V 0.5 ) at a given Ca 2 + concentration, particularly at Ca 2 + above 1 μM. In contrast, the rapidly inactivating β3b auxiliary produces a leftward shift in activation at Ca 2 + below 1 μM. In the companion work (Lingle, C.J., X.-H. Zeng, J.-P. Ding, and X.-M. Xia. 2001. J. Gen. Physiol. 117:583–605, this issue), we have shown that some of the apparent β3b-mediated shift in activation at low Ca 2 + arises from rapid unblocking of inactivated channels, unlike the actions of the β1 and β2 subunits. Here, we compare effects of the β3b subunit that arise from inactivation, per se, versus those that may arise from other functional effects of the subunit. In particular, we examine gating properties of the β3b subunit and compare it to β3b constructs lacking either the NH 2 - or COOH terminus or both. The results demonstrate that, although the NH 2 terminus appears to be the primary determinant of the β3b-mediated shift in V 0.5 at low Ca 2 +, removal of the NH 2 terminus reveals two other interesting aspects of the action of the β3b subunit. First, the conductance-voltage curves for activation of channels containing the β3b subunit are best described by a double Boltzmann shape, which is proposed to arise from two independent voltage-dependent activation steps. Second, the presence of the β3b subunit results in channels that exhibit an anomalous instantaneous outward current rectification that is correlated with a voltage dependence in the time-averaged single-channel current. The two effects appear to be unrelated, but indicative of the variety of ways that interactions between β and α subunits can affect BK channel function. The COOH terminus of the β3b subunit produces no discernible functional effects.

A family of auxiliary β subunits coassemble with Slo α subunit to form Ca 2 +-regulated, voltage-activated BK-type K + channels. The β subunits play an important role in regulating the functional properties of the resulting channel protein, including apparent Ca 2 + dependence and inactivation. The β3b auxiliary subunit, when coexpressed with the Slo α subunit, results in a particularly rapid (∼1 ms), but incomplete inactivation, mediated by the cytosolic NH 2 terminus of the β3b subunit ( Xia et al. 2000 ). Here, we evaluate whether a simple block of the open channel by the NH 2 -terminal domain accounts for the inactivation mechanism. Analysis of the onset of block, recovery from block, time-dependent changes in the shape of instantaneous current-voltage curves, and properties of deactivation tails suggest that a simple, one step blocking reaction is insufficient to explain the observed currents. Rather, blockade can be largely accounted for by a two-step blocking mechanism ( ) in which preblocked open states (O* n ) precede blocked states (I n ). The transitions between O* and I are exceedingly rapid accounting for an almost instantaneous block or unblock of open channels observed with changes in potential. However, the macroscopic current relaxations are determined primarily by slower transitions between O and O*. We propose that the O to O* transition corresponds to binding of the NH 2 -terminal inactivation domain to a receptor site. Blockade of current subsequently reflects either additional movement of the NH 2 -terminal domain into a position that hinders ion permeation or a gating transition to a closed state induced by binding of the NH 2 terminus.