A propofol binding site in the voltage sensor domain mediates inhibition of HCN1 channel activity

Sci Adv. 2025 Jan 3;11(1):eadr7427. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adr7427. Epub 2025 Jan 3.

Abstract

Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels are members of the cyclic nucleotide-binding family and are crucial for regulating cellular automaticity in many excitable cells. HCN channel activation contributes to pain perception, and propofol, a widely used anesthetic, acts as an analgesic by inhibiting the voltage-dependent activity of HCN channels. However, the molecular determinants of propofol action on HCN channels remain unknown. Here, we use a propofol-analog photoaffinity labeling reagent to identify propofol binding sites in the human HCN1 isoform. Mass spectrometry analyses combined with molecular dynamics simulations show that a binding pocket is formed by extracellularly facing residues in the S3 and S4 transmembrane segments in the resting voltage-sensor conformation. Mutations of residues within the putative binding pocket mitigate or eliminate voltage-dependent modulation of HCN1 currents by propofol. Together, these findings reveal a conformation-specific propofol binding site that underlies voltage-dependent inhibition of HCN currents and provides a framework for identifying highly specific modulators of HCN channel gating.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Humans
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels* / chemistry
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels* / genetics
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels* / metabolism
  • Ion Channel Gating / drug effects
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Mutation
  • Potassium Channels / chemistry
  • Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Propofol* / chemistry
  • Propofol* / metabolism
  • Propofol* / pharmacology
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Domains

Substances

  • Propofol
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
  • Potassium Channels
  • HCN1 protein, human