C-terminal domain influences the gating polarity of CNBD family of ion channels

Abstract

Ion channels of the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD) family are involved in key biological systems such as the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and sensory system (e.g. photoreception and olfaction). Within the CNBD channel family, the two subfamilies—hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and ether-à -go-go (EAG) channels— exhibit strikingly different functional phenotype despite overall structural conservation. HCN channels activate upon hyperpolarization whereas EAG are depolarization-activated much like most voltage-gated ion channels.