Cardiac small conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel subunits form heteromultimers via the coiled-coil domains in the C termini of the channels

Rationale: Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels are present in a wide variety of cells. We have previously reported the presence of small conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (SK or K_Ca) channels in human and mouse cardiac myocytes that contribute functionally toward the shape and duration of cardiac action potentials. Three isoforms of SK channel subunits (SK1, SK2, and SK3) are found to be expressed. Moreover, there is differential expression with more abundant SK channels in the atria and pacemaking tissues compared with the ventricles. SK channels are proposed to be assembled as tetramers similar to other K⁺ channels, but the molecular determinants driving their subunit interaction and assembly are not defined in cardiac tissues. Objective: To investigate the heteromultimeric formation and the domain necessary for the assembly of 3 SK channel subunits (SK1, SK2, and SK3) into complexes in human and mouse hearts. Methods and Results: Here, we provide evidence to support the formation of heteromultimeric complexes among different SK channel subunits in native cardiac tissues. SK1, SK2, and SK3 subunits contain coiled-coil domains (CCDs) in the C termini. In vitro interaction assay supports the direct interaction between CCDs of the channel subunits. Moreover, specific inhibitory peptides derived from CCDs block the Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ current in atrial myocytes, which is important for cardiac repolarization. Conclusions: The data provide evidence for the formation of heteromultimeric complexes among different SK channel subunits in atrial myocytes. Because SK channels are predominantly expressed in atrial myocytes, specific ligands of the different isoforms of SK channel subunits may offer a unique therapeutic opportunity to directly modify atrial cells without interfering with ventricular myocytes.