Voltage-gated K+ channels assemble into complexes with Kvβs, a group of aldoketoreductases. The Kvβs regulate channel gating and localization, and voltage-dependent changes in the channel regulate AKR activity. Pan and colleagues now propose a new type of modulation of this complex. Cortisone disrupts the complex and relieves channel inactivation—which should reduce neuronal excitability.
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Kohout, S., Isacoff, E. To dislodge an enzyme from an ion channel, try steroids. Nat Chem Biol 4, 650–651 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio1108-650
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio1108-650
