The long-term goals of this project are to develop a high-resolution understanding of ion channel function and regulation. We are focused on understanding the architectural foundations that underlie the modulation and assembly of two exemplar classes of the voltage-gated ion channel (VGIC) superfamily, Kv7 and TRPM channels. Macromolecular complexes of these channels play pivotal roles in bioelectrical signaling throughout the nervous, sensory, auditory, and cardiovascular systems. Efforts are directed at understanding how intracellular modules from these channels interact with regulatory proteins and how the coiled-coil assembly domains that are a common feature of both classes direct assembly and assembly specificity determinants. We focus on two central questions: 1) What is the structural nature of the calmodulin binding apparatus in the Kv7 C-terminal tail and how do disease mutations affect calmodulin interactions with the C-terminal tail? 2) What is the structural nature of the intracellular assembly domains of TRPM and Kv7 channels and are there common themes directing heteromeric complex assembly? Elaboration of the underlying Kv7 and TRPM structural framework is essential for understanding how these and other VGICs are integrated into intracellular signaling pathways and for developing novel ways to intervene to control channel function. Our efforts encompass a multidisciplinary approach that includes biochemical, biophysical, X-ray crystallographic, and electrophysiological measurements to dissect function. Because of their important role in human physiology, VGICs are the targets for drugs with great utility for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, congestive heart failure, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Thus, understanding their structures and mechanisms of action at atomic level detail should greatly assist the development of valuable therapeutic agents for a wide range of human ailments.

Public Health Relevance

Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) are the targets of drugs used to treat hypertension, arrhythmia, pain, epilepsy, and mood disorders. Our work aims to understand the molecular architecture that underlies VGIC function. Such understanding has direct relevance for development of more efficacious treatments of nervous system and cardiovascular disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC007664-07
Application #
8230481
Study Section
Neurotransporters, Receptors, and Calcium Signaling Study Section (NTRC)
Program Officer
Freeman, Nancy
Project Start
2005-07-01
Project End
2016-01-31
Budget Start
2012-02-01
Budget End
2013-01-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$328,313
Indirect Cost
$115,813
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143
Arrigoni, Cristina; Minor Jr, Daniel L (2018) Global versus local mechanisms of temperature sensing in ion channels. Pflugers Arch 470:733-744
Chang, Aram; Abderemane-Ali, Fayal; Hura, Greg L et al. (2018) A Calmodulin C-Lobe Ca2+-Dependent Switch Governs Kv7 Channel Function. Neuron 97:836-852.e6
Dang, Shangyu; Feng, Shengjie; Tien, Jason et al. (2017) Cryo-EM structures of the TMEM16A calcium-activated chloride channel. Nature 552:426-429
Minor Jr, Daniel L (2017) Channel surfing uncovers a dual-use transporter. EMBO J 36:3272-3273
Minor Jr, Daniel L (2016) Let It Go and Open Up, an Ensemble of Ion Channel Active States. Cell 164:597-8
Arrigoni, Cristina; Rohaim, Ahmed; Shaya, David et al. (2016) Unfolding of a Temperature-Sensitive Domain Controls Voltage-Gated Channel Activation. Cell 164:922-36
Gaudet, Rachelle; Roux, Benoit; Minor Jr, Daniel L (2015) Insights into the molecular foundations of electrical excitation. J Mol Biol 427:1-2
Payandeh, Jian; Minor Jr, Daniel L (2015) Bacterial voltage-gated sodium channels (BacNa(V)s) from the soil, sea, and salt lakes enlighten molecular mechanisms of electrical signaling and pharmacology in the brain and heart. J Mol Biol 427:3-30
Shaya, David; Findeisen, Felix; Abderemane-Ali, Fayal et al. (2014) Structure of a prokaryotic sodium channel pore reveals essential gating elements and an outer ion binding site common to eukaryotic channels. J Mol Biol 426:467-83
Xu, Qiang; Chang, Aram; Tolia, Alexandra et al. (2013) Structure of a Ca(2+)/CaM:Kv7.4 (KCNQ4) B-helix complex provides insight into M current modulation. J Mol Biol 425:378-94

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