A less flexible BK channel opens more easily.

Neuron
Jack Kronengold, Leonard K Kaczmarek

Abstract

BK potassium channels regulate spike width and firing rate. A BK point mutation in humans enhances channel activity, leading to epilepsy. In this issue of Neuron, Yang and colleagues use this mutation to demonstrate that channel opening is determined by the flexibility of a region that contains a Ca(2+)-binding site.

References

May 13, 1999·Nature Neuroscience·M SchreiberL Salkoff
Apr 7, 2004·The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry·E S Louise Faber, Pankaj Sah
Nov 23, 2006·Nature Reviews. Neuroscience·Lawrence SalkoffAguan Wei
Dec 5, 2008·Epilepsia·Jesse J SheehanAlison L Barth

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