The stoichiometric relationship between KCNH-2 and KCNE-2 in I(Kr) channel formation.

KCNH-2 and KCNE-2 may encode the channel-forming alpha- and regulatory beta-subunits, respectively, of I(Kr) channels, which are involved in inherited or acquired long QT syndrome. However, in contrast to other multimeric channels, the stoichiometry of KCNH-2 and KCNE-2, which should be reasonably maintained if they are to be accepted as the components of a multi-molecular complex, has not been established, yet. In this study, we found that the protein expression of KCNE-2 was adequate to support the formation of a complex with KCNH-2; however, the level of transcription was not. This finding, together with previous data from electrophysiological and molecular biological studies, supports that KCNH-2 and KCNE-2 are molecular components of I(Kr) channels.

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