KATP channels as molecular sensors of cellular metabolism

• Published in: Nature Vol. 440; no. 7083; pp. 470 - 476
• Main Author: Nichols, Colin G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Nature Publishing Group 23.03.2006
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphate - metabolism; Animals; ATP; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters - metabolism; Cells - metabolism; Cellular biology; Crystallography; Crystallography, X-Ray; Diabetes Mellitus - metabolism; Forecasting; Humans; Hyperinsulinism - metabolism; Ion Channel Gating; Kinetics; Metabolism; Mutation; Potassium; Potassium Channels - chemistry; Potassium Channels - genetics; Potassium Channels - metabolism; Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying - metabolism; Protein Conformation; Receptors, Drug - metabolism; Sulfonylurea Receptors
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687; 1476-4679
• DOI: 10.1038/nature04711

In responding to cytoplasmic nucleotide levels, ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel activity provides a unique link between cellular energetics and electrical excitability. Over the past ten years, a steady drumbeat of crystallographic and electrophysiological studies has led to detailed structural and kinetic models that define the molecular basis of channel activity. In parallel, the uncovering of disease-causing mutations of K(ATP) has led to an explanation of the molecular basis of disease and, in turn, to a better understanding of the structural basis of channel function.