Mutation in pore-helix modulates interplay between filter gate and Ba2+ block in a Kcv channel pore

Abstract

Tewes et al. use a simple K+ channel pore to examine filter gating. Voltage-dependent closings in pore-helix mutants can be explained by an elevated sensitivity to block by trace contaminations of Ba2+. This means that the dwell time of ions in the filter determines the closed times of the filter gate.