Abstract
ClC channels constitute a large family of Cl−-selective ion channels that are present in diverse organisms. The channels have a complex gating behavior, in which channel opening and closing is tightly coupled to ion permeation. Recent success in the structure determination of bacterial channels has revealed the overall architecture of this family and provided important insight into ion selectivity and gating. The ClC channels are homodimers, with each subunit containing an ion conduction pore. In the narrow selectivity filter of each pore, Cl− are bound to several sites through electrostatic interactions with helix dipoles and the partial charges of protein residues. In the closed conformation of the channel, a conserved glutamate residue occupies one of the ion-binding sites; on channel opening, this glutamate residue moves out of the binding site, thereby making room for an additional Cl− ion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
