Opening of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) is coupled to the activation of a GPCR. Here the authors use NMR and cell-based BRET assays to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying family-specific activation and find that pre-formation of the Gαi/oβγ-GIRK complex in the inactive state is responsible for specific GIRK activation and present a structural model for the Gαi/oβγ-GIRK complex.
- Hanaho Kano
- Yuki Toyama
- Ichio Shimada