Molecular Basis of Voltage dependent-activation of HERG K+ channels

HERG K 通道电压依赖性激活的分子基础

• 批准号: nhmrc : 354401
• 负责人: Prof Jamie Vandenberg
• 金额: $ 29.31万
• 依托单位: Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
• 依托单位国家: 澳大利亚
• 项目类别: NHMRC Project Grants
• 财政年份: 2005
• 资助国家: 澳大利亚
• 起止时间: 2005-01-01 至 2007-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://researchdata.edu.au/molecular-basis-voltage-k-channels/82135
• 关键词: Molecular; Basis; Voltage; dependent; activation

The rhythm of the normal heart beat is controlled by electrical signals mediated by the flow of electrically charged atoms called ions. The flow of ions across heart cell membranes is predominantly mediated by proteins called ion channels that open and close in response to changes in the voltage across the cell membrane. One of these channels, called the HERG channel, has some unusual properties. Most notably, HERG channels open very slowly following an electrical stimulus, so slowly that they do not fully open until the end of the cardiac contraction cycle. These channels are therefore particularly well placed to help suppress arrhythmias initiated by premature or ectopic beats. We propose to undertake a detailed investigation into the mechanisms by which HERG channels open and close and to determine why activation of these channels is so slow. These results will provide a greater understanding of how HERG channels work and how the normal activity of HERG channels helps to suppress abnormal heart rhythms.

正常心跳的节奏是由称为离子的带电原子流介导的电信号控制的。离子穿过心脏细胞膜的流动主要是由称为离子通道的蛋白质介导的，离子通道响应于穿过细胞膜的电压的变化而打开和关闭。其中一个通道称为HERG通道，具有一些不寻常的特性。最值得注意的是，HERG通道在电刺激后非常缓慢地打开，如此缓慢以至于它们直到心脏收缩周期结束才完全打开。因此，这些通道特别适合于帮助抑制由早搏或异位搏动引起的心律失常。我们建议对HERG通道开放和关闭的机制进行详细调查，并确定为什么这些通道的激活如此缓慢。这些结果将使我们更好地了解HERG通道的工作原理以及HERG通道的正常活动如何有助于抑制异常心律。