Structural basis for the decrease in the outward potassium channel current induced by lanthanum

The current of the outward K+ channel in the cell of horseradish treated with La3+ and the direct interaction between La3+ and the K+ channel protein were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, molecular dynamics simulation, and quantum chemistry calculation methods. It was found for the first time that La3+ decreases the current of the K+ channel in the horseradish mesophyll cell. The decrease results from the formation of a coordination bond and hydrogen bond between La3+ and the K+ channel protein in the plasma membrane. The direct interaction destroys the native structure of the K+ channel protein, disturbing the function of the K+ channel protein in the cells. The results can provide the theoretical foundation for understanding the interaction between metal ions (especially high-valence metal ions) and the channel protein in organisms, including animal and plant cells.