The Kv2. 1 channel generates a delayed-rectifier current in neurons and is responsible for
modulation of neuronal spike frequency and membrane repolarization in pancreatic β-cells
and cardiomyocytes. As with other tetrameric voltage-activated K+-channels, it has been
proposed that each of the four Kv2. 1 voltage-sensing domains activates independently
upon depolarization, leading to a final concerted transition that causes channel opening.
The mechanism by which voltage-sensor activation is coupled to the gating of the pore is still …