) The long term career goal is to conduct independent research and to teach in a research-oriented university. Currently, this is the applicant's first year as an Assistant Professor of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania. The long term goal of her research is to understand the structural and functional basis of the ability of ion channels to accomplish their biological tasks in various cell types. In this proposal, she will investigate the mechanisms of ion permeation in inward-rectifier K+ channels. These ion channels are highly selective for K+, and pass K+ in the inward direction more efficiently than in the outward direction. This latter property has been termed inward rectification. The K+ selectivity and inward rectification allow inward-rectifier K+ channels to regulate the resting membrane potential in many cells, through which they accomplish their biological tasks.
The aim of the experiments proposed here is to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these two fundamental properties of ion permeation in inward-rectifier K+ channels. Cloned inward-rectifier K+ channels will be expressed in Xenopus oocytes and their permeation properties will be studied using electrophysiological techniques.
Aim #1 : To investigate the molecular determinants of the selective K+-binding site. The applicant will use a combined approach: measuring the occupancy of K+-binding sites under equilibrium conditions, and mutagenizing the channel protein.
Aim #2 : To investigate the mechanisms of the rectification induced by intracellular blocking ions by addressing the following questions: a. Do blocking ions inhibit outward K+ current by occupying a K+-binding site? b. Does external K+ relieve channel blockade by internal blocking ions through an electrostatic mechanism? The proposed studies have important medical implications. For example, G-protein gated inward-rectifier K+ channels mediate the regulation of heart rate by vagal nerve, and ATP-sensitive inward-rectifier K+ channels are important during cardiac ischemia.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research (K02)
Project #
5K02HL003814-02
Application #
6030420
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-Y (F1))
Project Start
1998-07-01
Project End
2003-06-30
Budget Start
1999-07-01
Budget End
2000-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
Lu, Zhe (2004) Mechanism of rectification in inward-rectifier K+ channels. Annu Rev Physiol 66:103-29
Guo, Donglin; Lu, Zhe (2003) Interaction mechanisms between polyamines and IRK1 inward rectifier K+ channels. J Gen Physiol 122:485-500
Guo, Donglin; Ramu, Yajamana; Klem, Angela M et al. (2003) Mechanism of rectification in inward-rectifier K+ channels. J Gen Physiol 121:261-75
Lu, Zhe; Klem, Angela M; Ramu, Yajamana (2002) Coupling between voltage sensors and activation gate in voltage-gated K+ channels. J Gen Physiol 120:663-76
Guo, Donglin; Lu, Zhe (2002) IRK1 inward rectifier K(+) channels exhibit no intrinsic rectification. J Gen Physiol 120:539-51
Guo, D; Lu, Z (2001) Kinetics of inward-rectifier K+ channel block by quaternary alkylammonium ions. dimension and properties of the inner pore. J Gen Physiol 117:395-406
Ramu, Y; Klem, A M; Lu, Z (2001) Titration of tertiapin-Q inhibition of ROMK1 channels by extracellular protons. Biochemistry 40:3601-5
Guo, D; Lu, Z (2000) Mechanism of IRK1 channel block by intracellular polyamines. J Gen Physiol 115:799-814
Guo, D; Lu, Z (2000) Pore block versus intrinsic gating in the mechanism of inward rectification in strongly rectifying IRK1 channels. J Gen Physiol 116:561-8
Guo, D; Lu, Z (2000) Mechanism of cGMP-gated channel block by intracellular polyamines. J Gen Physiol 115:783-98

Showing the most recent 10 out of 14 publications