A constricted opening in Kir channels does not impede potassium conduction

Abstract

The transition between conducting and non-conducting states of K+ channels has been explained by conformational changes at the intracellular entrance to the conduction pathway. Here authors demonstrate that control over K+ currents in Kir channels is not explained by the canonical pore-gating model, as conduction is not impaired by a constricted inner helix bundle.