Promiscuous coupling between the sulphonylurea receptor and inwardly rectifying potassium channels

Coupling between the sulphonylurea receptor (SUR) and various potassium channels induces sulphonylurea sensitivity in inwardly-rectifying K-channels. Intrinsic channel activity is absent in the SUR of Xenopus oocyte and unable to induce ATP-sensitivity in endogenous potassium channels of HEK293 cells. The expression of SUR in HEK293 enhances the binding of (3H)glibenclamide. SUR regulates beta cell K-ATP channel activity and induces ATP-sensitivity in beta-cell K-ATP channels through nucleotide-binding.