Integration of Shaker-type K+ channel, KAT1, into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane: synergistic insertion of voltage-sensing segments, S3-S4, and independent insertion of pore-forming segments, S5-P-S6.

ABSTRACT: KAT1 is a member of the Shaker family of voltage-dependent K(+) channels, which has six transmembrane segments (called S1-S6), including an amphipathic S4 with several positively charged residues and a hydrophobic pore-forming region (called P) between S5 and S6. In this study, we systematically evaluated the function of individual and combined transmembrane segments of KAT1 to direct the final topology in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane by in vitro translation and translocation experiments. The assay with single-transmembrane constructs showed that S1 possesses the type II signal-anchor function, whereas S2 has the stop-transfer function. The properties fit well with the results derived from combined insertion of S1 and S2. S3 and S4 failed to integrate into the membrane by themselves.

SUBMITTER: Sato Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC117514 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature