Diversity of Potassium Channel Ligands: Focus on Scorpion Toxins
Potassium (K+) channels are a widespread superfamily of integral membrane proteins that mediate selective transport of K+ions through the cell membrane. They have been found in all living organisms from bacteria to higher multicellular animals, including humans. Not surprisingly, K+channels bind ligands of different nature, such as metal ions, low molecular mass compounds, venom-derived peptides, and antibodies. Functionally these substances can be K+channel pore blockers or modulators. Representatives of the first group occlude the channel pore, like a cork in a bottle, while the second group of ligands alters the operation of channels without physically blocking the ion current. A rich source of K+channel ligands is venom of different animals: snakes, sea anemones, cone snails, bees, spiders, and scorpions. More than a half of the known K+channel ligands of polypeptide nature are scorpion toxins (KTx), all of which are pore blockers. These compounds have become an indispensable molecular tool for the study of K+channel structure and function. A recent special interest is the possibility of toxin application as drugs to treat diseases involving K+channels or related to their dysfunction (channelopathies).