Modulation of Kv4.3 Current by Accessory Subunits

Kv4.3 encodes the pore-forming subunit of the cardiac transient outward potassium current (I(to)). hKv4.3-encoded current does not fully replicate cardiac I(to), suggesting a functionally significant role for accessory subunits. KChIP2 associates with Kv4.3 and modifies hKv4.3-encoded currents but does not replicate native I(to). We examined the effect of several ancillary subunits expressed in the heart on hKv4.3-encoded currents. Remarkably, the ancillary subunits Kvbeta(3), minK, MiRP-1, the Na channel beta(1) and KChIP2 increased the density and modified the gating of hKv4.3 current. hKv4.3 promiscuously assembles with ancillary subunits in vitro, functionally modifying the encoded currents; however, the physiological significance is uncertain.