Activation mechanism of a human SK-calmodulin channel complex elucidated by cryo-EM structures

How calcium gates a potassium channel Small-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + (SK) channels are expressed throughout the nervous system and affect both the intrinsic excitability of neurons and synaptic transmission. An increase in the concentration of intracellular calcium opens the channels to conduct potassium across the cell membrane. Lee and MacKinnon report cryo–electron microscopy structures of human SK4-calmodulin channel complexes....