The recovery from the C-type inactivated state differs between Shaker and Shaker-W434F K⁺ channels

Voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels facilitate the flow of K+ ions across the cell membrane and their conductive state is controlled by the membrane voltage. In general, the activation gate (AG) seals off the ion conducting pore and opens upon membrane depolarization. Upon prolonged depolarization, many Kv channels display slow C-type inactivation resulting in a reduced conductance of the pore. The ion selectivity filter (SF) within the pore appears a key determinant in this process, and is generally believed to reorient and collapse upon inactivation to prevent ion conduction.