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TREK-2 (KCNK10/K2P10), a two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel, is gated by multiple stimuli such as stretch, fatty acids, and pH and by several drugs. However, the mechanisms that control channel gating are unclear. Here we present crystal structures of the human TREK-2 channel (up to 3.4 angstrom resolution) in two conformations and in complex with norfluoxetine, the active metabolite of fluoxetine (Prozac) and a state-dependent blocker of TREK channels. Norfluoxetine binds within intramembrane fenestrations found in only one of these two conformations. Channel activation by arachidonic acid and mechanical stretch involves conversion between these states through movement of the pore-lining helices. These results provide an explanation for TREK channel mechanosensitivity, regulation by diverse stimuli, and possible off-target effects of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor Prozac.

Original publication

DOI

10.1126/science.1261512

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science

Publication Date

13/03/2015

Volume

347

Pages

1256 - 1259

Keywords

Amino Acid Sequence, Arachidonic Acid, Binding Sites, Crystallography, X-Ray, Fluoxetine, Humans, Ion Channel Gating, Models, Molecular, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Molecular Sequence Data, Potassium, Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain, Protein Conformation, Protein Folding, Protein Structure, Secondary, Protein Structure, Tertiary