i controls the gating of the G protein-activated K+ channel, GIRK

Sagit Peleg, Dalia Varon, Tatiana Ivanina, Carmen W. Dessauer, Nathan Dascal*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

144 Scopus citations

Abstract

GIRK (Kir3) channels are activated by neurotransmitters coupled to G proteins, via a direct binding of Gβγ. The role of Gα subunits in GIRK gating is elusive. Here we demonstrate that Gαi is not only a donor of Gβγ but also regulates GIRK gating. When overexpressed in Xenopus oocytes, GIRK channels show excessive basal activity and poor activation by agonist or Gβγ. Coexpression of Gαi3 or Gαi1 restores the correct gating parameters. Gαi acts neither as a pure Gβγ scavenger nor as an allosteric cofactor for Gβγ. It inhibits only the basal activity without interfering with Gβγ-induced response. Thus, GIRK is regulated, in distinct ways, by both arms of the G protein. Gαi probably acts in its GDP bound form, alone or as a part of Gαβγ heterotrimer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-99
Number of pages13
JournalNeuron
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 3 Jan 2002

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institutes of HealthGM 56260-01
National Institute of General Medical SciencesR01GM056260

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