Kv channel-solute transporter interactions
The KCNQ1 voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel pore-forming (α) subunit is ubiquitously expressed and linked to life-threatening human disorders including Long QT syndrome, atrial fibrillation and diabetes. KCNQ1 exhibits a high degree of functional flexibility enabled by co-assembly with KCNE family β subunits, facilitating roles both in excitable cell repolarization, and as a constitutively active K+ channel in polarized epithelial cells. Na+-coupled solute transport is crucial for uptake of ions and solutes including sugars and myo-inositol, an important osmolyte and precursor for cell signaling molecules. We recently discovered that KCNQ1 forms complexes with several different Na+-coupled solute transporters, and that SMIT1-KCNQ1-KCNE2 complexes are required for normal function of the choroid plexus epithelium. This work was published in 2014 in Science Signaling, accompanied by a podcast interview with Dr. Abbott.