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1.D.311.  The Core Module K+ Channel (CMKC) Family 

Different types of natural K+ channels share similar core modules and cation permeability characteristics. Xin et al. 2023 developed novel artificial K+ channels by rebuilding the core modules of natural K+ channels in artificial systems. These channels displayed high selectivity for K+ over Na+ and exhibited a selectivity sequence of K+ ≈ Rb+ during the transport process, which is consistent with the cation permeability characteristics of natural K+ channels. These artificial channels could be efficiently inserted into cell membranes and mediated the transmembrane transport of K+ , disrupting the cellular K+ homeostasis and eventually triggering the apoptosis of cells. These findings demonstrate that, by rebuilding the core modules of natural K+ channels in artificial systems, the structures, transport behaviors, and physiological functions of natural K+ channels can be mimicked in synthetic channels (Xin et al. 2023).

References associated with 1.D.311 family:

Xin, P., L. Xu, W. Dong, L. Mao, J. Guo, J. Bi, S. Zhang, Y. Pei, and C.P. Chen. (2023). Synthetic K Channels Constructed by Rebuilding the Core Modules of Natural K Channels in an Artificial System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 62: e202217859. 36583482