GATING MODEL OF SHAKER K+ CHANNEL

This model is based on the "Minimal Model" by Campos et al (PNAS, 2007).

Gray:S1; Yellow: S2; red: S3; Blue: S4; Green: pore region.

Two subunits are shown for clarity. At hyperpolarized potentials arginines in the S4 segment are mostly exposed to the intracelular solution (bottom of the picture) and the electric field is concentrated near the extracellular solution (top of the picture). Upon depolarization the S4 segment changes its tilt, rotates about 180 degrees and moves up exposing the arginines to the extracellular solution, thus transporting the gating charge. Three states per subunit are represented here, each one produces a gating shot but only the second transition (C2 to A) gives most of the charge translocation.

MANUAL: click on the states to see the channel conformation.

VOLTAGE: The program generates the transitions according to the voltages selected. The gating shots, single channel, macroscopic current and gating currents are shown in the display panel.