Immunological identification of the Shaker-related Kv1.3 potassium channel protein in T and B lymphocytes, and detection of related proteins in files and yeast.

Shaker-related potassium (K+) channel proteins contain sequences which exhibit remarkable conservation across species. We have generated polyclonal anti-peptide antibodies (Abs) which cross-react with peptide epitopes of several Shaker-related channels (Kv1.1, 1.2 and 1.3), in addition to a Kv1.3-specific Ab. The Kv1.3-specific Abs react with a protein expressed in human T-cells (Jurkat and PBLs), as well as in mouse T-cells (EL-4) and pre-B cells (230.37). The cross-reactive Abs detect the Shaker protein in Drosophila melanogaster, in addition to an immunologically related protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Abs which recognize these shared epitopes could serve for the identification and biochemical characterization of Shaker-related proteins in diverse organisms.