Characterizations of a loss-of-function mutation in the Kir3.4 channel subunit

Kir3.4 and Kir3.1 potassium channel subunits mediate the acetylcholine induced inwardly rectifying current IKACh in the heart. We found a glycine to arginine substitution in codon 247 of Kir3.4 in a patient with a single episode of atrial fibrillation (AF). Expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and two-electrode voltage-clamp revealed that Kir3.4-G247R basal current was reduced compared to wild-type Kir3.4 and co-expression with the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 2 showed that also the acetylcholine induced current was severely reduced in Kir3.4-G247R, indicating that the mutation interfered with activation by the stimulatory Gβγ-subunits. Co-expression of Kir3.4-G247R with wild-type Kir3.4 or Kir3.1 had a compensating effect on both basal current levels and the response to muscarinic stimulation suggesting the function of Kir3.4-G247R is compensated in vivo. This may explain the lack of clear clinical manifestations and further studies are necessary to elucidate if mutations in Kir3.4 are predisposing AF.