Metal bridge formation slows channel closure signifying stabilization of the open-activated channel conformation

(A) Representative current traces from an oocyte expressing Kv1.2-R294H-A351H-D352G-E353S channels recorded in the absence (left) and presence (right) of 1 μM Zn. Bath solution contained 50 mM K in order to visualize inward tail currents. (B) Plot of time constant for deactivation versus voltage for channels recorded in the absence (solid squares) or presence (open circles) of 1 μM Zn ( = 7 each). Tail currents were fitted with a single exponential and the time constant of deactivation (τ, ms) plotted on a log scale against voltage.

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Taken from "Atomic Constraints between the Voltage Sensor and the Pore Domain in a Voltage-gated K Channel of Known Structure"

The Journal of General Physiology 2008;131(6):549-561.

Published online Jan 2008

PMCID:PMC2391244.