Subunit-dependent assembly of inward-rectifier K⁺ channels

Inward-rectifier, G-protein-regulated and ATP-dependent K⁺ channels form a novel gene family of related proteins which share two transmembrane segments as a common structural feature. These K⁺ channels are only distantly related to the voltage-gated Shaker-type K⁺ channels comprising six extensively studied in the past, little is known about subunit assembly of inward-rectifier K⁺ channels. Differential sensitivity of inward-rectifier K⁺ channels to voltage-dependent pore block by spermine was used to analyse subunit assembly. It is shown that inward-rectifier K⁺ channel proteins are composed of four subunits whose assembly obeys the rules of a binomial distribution. 'Strong' and 'mild' inward-rectifier K⁺ channel subunits (BIR10 and ROMK1) which are co-expressed in individual auditory hair cells form hetero-tetramers. Distribution of these hetero-tetramers, however, is not binomial. Hetero- and homo-oligomeric channels form with similar probabilities resulting in independent channel populations with distinct functional properties.