Block of ShakerB K+ channels by Pi1, a novel class of scorpion toxin

FEBS Lett. 1997 Jan 3;400(2):197-200. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(96)01387-7.

Abstract

Here we describe the basic features of the interaction of K+ channels with Pi1, a recently described 35 amino acid scorpion toxin, which has four disulfide bridges instead of the three commonly found in all the other known scorpion toxins. We found that: (a) Pi1 blocks ShakerB from the outside with a 1:1 stoichiometry, and a Kd of 32 nM in zero external [K+]; (b) extracellular K+, Rb+ and Cs+ but not NH4+ ions strongly impede (destabilize) the block by this toxin; interestingly (c) the destabilizing binding of K+, Rb+, and Cs+ is described by a Hill coefficient n > 1; (d) external K+ is more effective than internal K+ to reduce the block by Pi1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cations
  • Cell Line
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Peptides / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Scorpion Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Scorpions / metabolism
  • Shaker Superfamily of Potassium Channels
  • Sodium / metabolism
  • Spodoptera / cytology

Substances

  • Cations
  • Peptides
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • Shaker B potassium channel polypeptide
  • Shaker Superfamily of Potassium Channels
  • Sodium