Tuning Ion Coordination Architectures to Enable Selective Partitioning

Abstract

K + ions seemingly permeate K-channels rapidly because channel binding sites mimic coordination of K + ions in water. Highly selective ion discrimination should occur when binding sites form rigid cavities that match K +, but not the smaller Na +, ion size or when binding sites are composed of specific chemical groups. Although conceptually attractive, these views cannot account for critical observations: 1), K + hydration structures differ markedly from channel binding sites; 2), channel thermal fluctuations can obscure sub-Ångström differences in ion sizes; and 3), chemically identical binding sites can exhibit diverse ion selectivities. Our quantum mechanical studies lead to a novel paradigm that reconciles these observations. We find that K-channels utilize a “phase-activated” mechanism where the local environment around the binding sites is tuned to sustain high coordination numbers (>6) around K + ions, which otherwise are rarely observed in liquid water. When combined with the field strength of carbonyl ligands, such high coordinations create the electrical scenario necessary for rapid and selective K + partitioning. Specific perturbations to the local binding site environment with respect to strongly selective K-channels result in altered K +/Na + selectivities.