The short N‐terminus is required for functional expression of the virus‐encoded miniature K+ channel Kcv

Abstract
Kcv (K+ Chlorella virus) is a miniature virus‐encoded K+ channel. Its predicted membrane–pore–membrane structure lacks a cytoplasmic C‐terminus and it has a short 12 amino acid (aa) cytoplasmic N‐terminus. Kcv forms a functional channel when expressed in human HEK 293 cells. Deletion of the 14 N‐terminal aa results in no apparent differences in the subcellular location and expression level of the Kcv protein. However, the truncated protein does not induce a measurable current in transfected HEK 293 cells or Xenopus oocytes. We conclude that the N‐terminus controls functional properties of the Kcv channel, but does not influence protein expression.