Surface expression of Kv1 voltage-gated K+ channels is governed by a C-terminal motif.

The normal rhythmic beating of the heart relies on tight control of expression of voltage-gated ion channels in the plasma membrane of cardiac myocytes. Recently, a conserved motif was identified near the C-terminus of Kv1 voltage-gated K+ channels that is required for efficient processing and surface expression. Furthermore, variations in the motif account for differences among normal channels in localization and the requirement for auxiliary subunits for robust expression. Thus, this motif is a key regulator of cell surface expression of Kv1 family K+ channels.