In Silico Activation of KcsA K+ Channel by Lateral Forces Applied to the C-Termini of Inner Helices

Crystallographic studies of K(+) channels in the closed (KcsA) and open (MthK) states suggest that Gly(99) (KcsA numbering) in the inner helices serves as a gating hinge during channel activation. However, some P-loop channels have larger residues in the corresponding position. The comparison of x-ray structures of KcsA and MthK shows that channel activation alters backbone torsions and helical H-bonds in residues 95-105. Importantly, the …