Structural basis for the gating modulation of Kv4.3 by auxiliary subunits

Dear Editor, Kv4.3 is an A-type voltage-gated potassium channel that is characterized by fast activation at subthreshold membrane potentials,rapid inactivation,and quick recovery from inactiva-tion.1 In neurons,Kv4.3 conducts the transient subthreshold somatodendritic A-type potassium current(ISA),knock down of which results in neuropathic pain and epilepsy.2 In cardiomyo-cytes,Kv4.3 generates the transient outward potassium current(lto)and its dysfunction is related to a variety of heart diseases,such as hypertrophy,heart failure,myocardial infarction,heart valvular disease,atrial fibrillation,and diabetic cardiomyopathy.