The KATP channel is a key regulator of the pancreatic β-cell, effectively linking metabolic status to electrical activity. Syntaxin-1A has been previously reported by our lab to both bind and inhibit the KATP channel via the nucleotide-binding folds (NBFs). The purpose of this thesis project was to elucidate the precise regions within the NBFs responsible for the Syn-1A- KATP interaction. In vitro binding assays revealed that Syn-1A associates with the Walker domains of both NBF1 and NBF2. Furthermore, site directed mutagenesis of the conserved lysine in Walker A of both NBFs abolishes Syn-1A affinity for this region. Electrophysiological recordings indicate that channel inhibition was mediated primarily through interaction with NBF1-Walker B and both Walkers of NBF2. Based on these results, we propose a model by which Syn-1A acts as an inhibitory clamp on the KATP channel, effectively buffering minor fluctuations in ATP/ADP concentration to prevent unnecessary channel activity.

The KATP channel is a key regulator of the pancreatic β-cell, effectively linking metabolic status to electrical activity. Syntaxin-1A has been previously reported by our lab to both bind and inhibit the KATP channel via the nucleotide-binding folds (NBFs). The purpose of this thesis project was to elucidate the precise regions within the NBFs responsible for the Syn-1A- KATP interaction. In vitro binding assays revealed that Syn-1A associates with the Walker domains of both NBF1 and NBF2. Furthermore, site directed mutagenesis of the conserved lysine in Walker A of both NBFs abolishes Syn-1A affinity for this region. Electrophysiological recordings indicate that channel inhibition was mediated primarily through interaction with NBF1-Walker B and both Walkers of NBF2. Based on these results, we propose a model by which Syn-1A acts as an inhibitory clamp on the KATP channel, effectively buffering minor fluctuations in ATP/ADP concentration to prevent unnecessary channel activity.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / INTRODUÃÃO: Recentemente, foi demonstrado que o H2S està envolvido em inÃmeras funÃÃes fisiolÃgicas e patolÃgicas, sendo produzido em muitos tecidos de mamÃferos. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o papel do H2S na defesa da mucosa e no controle da motilidade gÃstrica em camundongos, bem como estudar a participaÃÃo dos canais de KATP, dos neurÃnios sensoriais sensÃveis à capsaicina e dos receptores TRPV1 neste efeito. MÃTODOS: Camundongos Swiss foram prÃ-tratados com L-cisteÃna (25, 50 ou 100 mg/kg, v.o), NaHS (75, 150 ou 300 Âmol/kg, v.o) ou LawessonÂs (3, 9, 27 ou 81 Âmol/kg, v.o). Trinta minutos depois, o etanol 50% (0,5ml/25g, v.o) foi administrado. Depois de 1 h, os animais foram sacrificados e os estÃmagos abertos para determinaÃÃo da Ãrea da lesÃo usando planimetria computadorizada. AlÃm disso, fragmentos de tecidos foram removidos para anÃlise microscÃpica e dosagem de glutationa e malondialdeÃdo. Para o estudo do esvaziamento gÃstrico, outro grupo experimental foi tratado, por gavagem, com as mesmas doses de L-cisteÃna, NaHS ou LawessonÂs, decorridos 30 min os animais receberam uma soluÃÃo glicosada (5%) contendo vermelho de fenol (0,75 mg/ml) em cada animal. ApÃs 10, 20 ou 30 min os animais foram sacrificados e o esvaziamento gÃstrico foi avaliado por tÃcnica de espectrofotometria. Em outro grupo experimental os animais foram prÃ-tratados com glibenclamida (3 e 10 mg/Kg, v.o.) ou capsazepina (10 mg/kg, i.p). ApÃs 1h, foram administrados a L-cisteÃna (50 mg/kg) ou os doadores de H2S (NaHS 150 Âmol/kg ou o reagente de LawessonÂs 27Âmol/kg, v.o). Trinta minutos depois, o etanol 50% foi administrado para avaliaÃÃo da lesÃo gÃstrica e soluÃÃo de vermelho de fenol foi administrada para avaliar o esvaziamento gÃstrico conforme descrito anteriormente. Para o estudo dos neurÃnios aferentes, foi realizado protocolo de ablaÃÃo dos com doses neurotÃxicas de capsaicina. ApÃs 8 dias, os animais receberam NaHS ou o LawessonÂs e o protocolo de lesÃo gÃstrica por etanol 50% foi determinado como descrito acima. TambÃm foi determinado a contratilidade espontÃnea do fundo gÃstrico incubado com doses crescentes de NaHS ou KCl (controle) utilizando um transdutor de forÃa isomÃtrico acoplado a um sistema de aquisiÃÃo de dados. RESULTADOS: A administraÃÃo de L-cisteÃna, NaHS ou Reagente de LawessonÂs preveniu, de forma dose dependente, a lesÃo por etanol no estÃmago. Essa proteÃÃo foi acompanhada do aumento de GSH e diminuiÃÃo dos nÃveis gÃstricos de MDA quando comparado com o grupo tratado apenas com etanol. Glibenclamida (10 mg/kg) e a capsazepina reverteram completamente esse efeito protetor dos doadores de H2S. Nos animais depletados de neurÃnios aferentes, tambÃm houve uma reversÃo do efeito protetor dos doadores de H2S e da L-cisteÃna. O NaHS, o LawessonÂs e a L-cisteÃna promoveram aceleraÃÃo do esvaziamento gÃstrico quando comparado com o controle, de maneira dose dependente. Este efeito procÃnÃtico foi abolido pela prÃ-administraÃÃo de glibenclamida e capsazepina O NaHS tambÃm foi capaz de induzir um aumento no tÃnus basal que iniciou-se com mÃximo efeito na concentraÃÃo de 300 ÂM em relaÃÃo à contraÃÃo controle de KCl. CONCLUSÃES: o H2S preveniu a lesÃo gÃstrica, o consumo de GSH e aumento da peroxidaÃÃo lipÃdica na mucosa gÃstrica, induzidos pela administraÃÃo de etanol em camundongos. O H2S tambÃm apresentou efeito procinÃtico, acelerando o esvaziamento gÃstrico de lÃquidos em camundongos. Podemos inferir que esses efeitos devem-se a ativaÃÃo dos canais de KATP, dos neurÃnios sensoriais sensÃveis à capsaicina e dos receptores TRPV1. / INTRODUCTION: Recently, the involvement of H2S has been demonstrated in several physiological and pathological conditions, being constitutively produced in mammalian tissues. AIM: To study the role of H2S on both the gastric mucosa defense and the control of gastric motility in mice, and additionally to evaluate the participation of KATP channels, capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons and TRPV1 receptors in these effects. METHODS: Swiss mice were pre-treated with either L-cysteine (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o), NaHS (75, 150 or 300 Âmol/kg, p.o) or LawessonÂs reagent (3, 9, 27 or 81 Âmol/kg, p.o). The animals were then given ethanol 50% (0.5ml/25g, p.o.) 30 min later. After 1h of ethanol instillation, the mice were sacrificed and had the stomach collected to measure the injured area through planimetry software. Moreover some samples were obtained to histopathological analysis, glutathione (GSH), and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) dosages. In the study of gastric empty, the animals were administered L-cysteine, NaHS or LawessonÂs reagent, and 30 min later a phenol red solution (0.75 mg/ml) diluted in glucose (5%) was also given. The sacrifice was performed 10, 20 or 30 min after the latter to determine in a spectrophotometer the gastric empty. In another experimental setting, glibenclamide (3 or 10 mg/Kg, v.o.) or capsazepine (10 mg/kg, i.p) were injected 1h previously to the L-cysteine (50 mg/kg, p.o) or H2S donors (NaHS 150 Âmol/kg or LawessonÂs reagent 27Âmol/kg, p.o) instillation. In order to study the role of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons, high neurotoxic doses of capsaicin was instilled into the animals. On the 8th day post capsaicin injection, NaHS or LawessonÂs reagent was administered. The protocol for ethanol administration, sacrifice, and dosages were repeated for these conditions as described previously. Finally, the spontaneous contraction of isolated gastric fundus to KCl (control contraction) and growing doses of NaHS was determined in vitro through and isometric force transducer connected to an acquisition system. RESULTS: L-cysteine, NaHS and LawessonÂs reagent prevented, in a dose dependent manner, the ethanol-induced gastric injury. Besides, high and low levels of GSH and MDA were found respectively in comparison to the control group given only ethanol. Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) and capsazepine completely reversed the protective effect of the H2S donors. The animals that undergone afferent neuronal ablation also developed gastric lesions despite the injection of L-cysteine and H2S donors. NaHS, LawessonÂs reagent and L-cysteine all accelerated gastric empty in comparison to the control group and in a dose-dependent manner. Such prokinetic effect was abolished in glibenclamide and capsazepine pre-treated mice. The NaHS was also able to induce an increase in gastric fundus basal tonus in vitro presenting a ceiling effect in the concentration of 300ÂM when compared with the standard KCl contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The H2S prevented the ethanol-induced gastric damage, GSH consumption, and lipid peroxidation processes in the stomach mucosa of mice. The H2S also revealed a prokinetic effect leading to a higher liquid gastric empty in mice. Such results seem to be dependent on KATP channels, sensory afferent neurons, and TRPV1 receptors activation.

Orientador: Carlos Amilcar Parada / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-26T11:05:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DosSantos_GilsonGoncalves_M.pdf: 2757194 bytes, checksum: 3b5bda3ca0fc7912d13b42ba51399734 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: A dipirona (metamizol) é um pró-fármaco analgésico utilizado no controle da dor moderada, sendo metabolizada em dois metabolitos bioativos: 4-metil-aminoantipirina (4-MAA) e 4-aminoantipirina (4-AA). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a participação de receptores canabinóides periféricos, CB1, CB2 e canais de KATP sobre o efeito anti-hiperalgésico da dipirona, 4-MAA ou 4- AA. Para indução de hiperalgesia, PGE2 (100 ng/pata ) foi administrada localmente na pata traseira de ratos Wistar machos, e o limiar hiperalgésico mecânico foi quantificado por Von- Frey eletrônico, antes e três horas após a injeção. Dipirona, 4-MAA ou 4-AA foram administrados 30 minutos antes do Von Frey. Os antagonistas seletivos do receptor CB1 (AM251), CB2 (AM630) e glibenclamida, um bloqueador KATP (80 ug) ou ODQ um inibidor de cGMP (32 ?g) foram administrados 30 minutos antes da Dipirona, 4-MAA ou 4 -AA. O ODN-antisense para reduzir a expressão do receptor CB1 (30 ?g) foi administrado por via intratecal, uma vez por dia durante quatro dias consecutivos. A hiperalgesia mecânica induzida pela PGE2 foi reduzida pela dipirona, 4-MAA, e 4-AA de maneira dose-dependente. AM251 ou ODN-antisense contra o receptor neuronal CB1, mas não AM630, reduziu o efeito anti-hiperalgésico mediado por 4-AA, mas não da dipirona ou 4-MAA. Por outro lado, o efeito anti-hiperalgésico da dipirona, ou 4-MAA foi revertido por glibenclamida ou ODQ. Os resultados sugerem que a ativação de receptores neuronal CB1, mas não do receptor CB2, no tecido periférico esteja envolvido no efeito anti-hiperalgésico do metabólito 4-AA. Além disso, a dipirona e 4-MAA possui um efeito anti-hiperalgesico dependente de cGMP e consequente abertura KATP / Abstract: Dipyrone (metamizole) is an analgesic pro-drug used to control moderate pain. It is metabolized in two bioactive metabolites: 4-methylaminoantipyrine (4-MAA) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AA). The aim of this study was to investigate the participation of peripheral CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors activation on the anti-hyperalgesic effect of Dypirone, 4-MAA or 4-AA. For induction of hyperalgesia, PGE2 (100 ng) was locally administrated in hindpaw of male Wistar rats, and the mechanical nociceptive threshold was quantified by electronic von-Frey, before and 3 hours after its injection. Dypirone, 4-MAA or 4-AA was administrated 30 minutes before the von-Frey test. The selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, CB2 receptor antagonist AM630, cGMP inhibitor ODQ (32 ?g) or KATP blocker glibenclamide (80 ?g) was administrated 30 minutes before Dypirone, 4-MAA or 4-AA. The antisense-ODN against CB1 receptor expression (30 ?g) was intrathecally administrated once a day during four consecutive days. PGE2-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was inhibited by dypirone, 4-MAA, and 4-AA in a dose-response manner. AM251 or ODN anti-sense against neuronal CB1 receptor, but not AM630, reversed the antihyperalgesic effect mediated by 4-AA, but not by dypirone or 4-MAA. On the other hand, the anti-hyperalgesic effect of dypirone or 4-MAA was reversed by Glibenclamide or ODQ. These results suggest that the activation of neuronal CB1, but not CB2 receptor, in the peripheral tissue is involved in the anti-hyperalgesic effect of 4-aminoantipyrine. In addition, 4- methylaminontipyrine mediates anti-hyperalgesic effect by the cGMP activation and the KATP opening / Mestrado / Fisiologia / Mestre em Biologia Funcional e Molecular

Migraine is one of the most prevalent contributors to the global burden of mental and neurological disorders. It is a complex episodic condition that presents as intense recurrent unilateral headaches lasting hours to days that can be accompanied by nausea, photophobia, phonophobia and other neurological symptoms. The causes of migraine appear multifactorial and are not fully understood. However, activation of the trigeminovascular system and sphenopalatine parasympathetic neurons and the resulting vasodilation of meningeal arteries have been associated with the development of migraine pain. Recently, the neurotransmitter and neurotrophic peptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been implicated in this migraine headache pathway. The effects of PACAP parallel those of other migraine inducing agents and notably PACAP induces vasodilation of the MMA concurrent with the genesis of migraine headache when administered to human subjects. The mechanisms by which PACAP induces dilation are presently unclear. The objective of this present work was to elucidate the signaling pathways linking PACAP to MMA dilation. To achieve this objective, we developed an ex vivo approach to study isolated MMA at physiologically relevant intravascular pressure. Using this preparation we found that PACAP dilates MMA at picomolar concentrations via PAC1 receptors. Further, in MMA, PACAP-induced dilation is mediated exclusively though activation of KATP channels. While investigating the mechanisms of PACAP-induced dilation of MMA we discovered that basal KATP channel activity influences MMA diameter. Inhibition of KATP channels with glibenclamide or PNU37883 at physiological intravascular pressure resulted in a vasoconstriction of ≈ 20 %. Also consistent with basal KATP activity, glibenclamide induced a membrane potential depolarization of ≈ 14 mV. Further, in MMA loaded with the ratiometric Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2-AM, glibenclamide-induced MMA constriction was correlated with a simultaneous increase in the ratio of 340 nm/380 nm excited fura-2 fluorescence, consistent with an increase in intracellular Ca2+. Vascular smooth muscle KATP channels can be phosphorylated and activated by PKA, resulting in membrane potential hyperpolarization. KT5720, a PKA inhibitor, induced a constriction in MMA similar to that of glibenclamide (≈ 25 %). Additional treatment with glibenclamide did not induce further constriction suggesting that PKA activity may underlie tonic KATP channel activation. Together these results suggest that tonic PKA activity underlies basal KATP channel activity and together play a key role in regulation of MMA diameter. In summary, results presented in this dissertation suggest that picomolar PACAP-induced dilation of MMA is via activation of the PAC1-Hop1 receptor splice variant and KATP channel activation. Furthermore, KATP channels are also involved in tonic regulation of MMA diameter due to basal PKA activity. These unique features of the MMA provide additional insight into potential therapeutic targets in the development of treatments for migraine.

O monóxido de carbono (CO) é uma das moléculas mais antigas encontradas na atmosfera, sendo popularmente associado à asfixia por sua alta taxa de ligação à hemoglobina. Contudo, estudos também demonstram seu envolvimento em diversas funções fisiológicas através da produção endógena pela enzima heme-oxigenase (HO), que catalisa o metabolismo do grupo heme em quantidades equimolares de CO, biliverdina e ferro. Destes, o CO é um de seus produtos mais ativos, podendo atuar como neurotransmissor e neuromodulador do sistema nervoso, molécula de sinalização cardiovascular com propriedades vasoativas e com potencial participação em processos nociceptivos. Inúmeras pesquisas associam os mecanismos de ação da via da HO/CO com a ativação da enzima guanilato ciclase, GMPc ou modulação direta de canais de potássio, sendo este último, amplamente conhecido pelo seu envolvimento em respostas antinociceptivas, em especial sua classe sensível ao ATP (K+ATP). Assim, nosso objetivo neste estudo, foi verificar o possível envolvimento de K+ATP, na antinocicepção desencadeada pela via da HO/CO após indução de hiperalgesia pela administração de carragenina e exposição aos testes nociceptivos de Von Frey eletrônico e Randall Selitto. Os resultados obtidos em nossos experimentos demonstram que a aplicação intraplantar de hemina (substrato da HO) ocasionou ação antinociceptiva, sendo excluída através do tratamento contralateral a ocorrência de mecanismos sistêmicos, frente à manipulação periférica da via. Por sua vez, a administração do inibidor da via da HO (tin protoporphyrin IX dichloride) potencializou a hiperalgesia ocasionada pela carragenina. Efeitos similares não foram observados frente à administração dos demais subprodutos, biliverdina e ferro (sulfato ferroso), sugerindo o CO como sendo o mais ativo subproduto da via na modulação de processos nociceptivos. Já a administração conjunta de glibenclamide (bloqueador de K+ATP) e hemina, acarretou o bloqueio da ação antinociceptiva ocasionada pela hemina, sendo que a administração conjunta da menor dose efetiva de diazoxide (ativador de canais de potássio) e hemina evidenciou uma ação sinérgica entre as drogas potencializando a resposta antinociceptiva do substrato da via. Também observamos que o efeito antinociceptivo da hemina não foi alterado pela administração de naloxone (antagonista opióide), sugerindo assim, a exclusão da participação do sistema opióide na resposta antinociceptiva da via da HO/CO. Neste contexto, os resultados apresentados em nosso estudo sugerem fortemente que a ação antinociceptiva periférica da via HO/CO, pode estar relacionada com a ativação de canais de potássio sensíveis ao ATP / Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the oldest molecules found in the atmosphere, being popularly associated to asphyxia by its high binding to hemoglobin. However, studies have also demonstrated its involvement in various physiological functions through the endogenous production by the enzyme heme-oxygenase (HO), which catalyzes the metabolism of heme in equimolar amounts of CO, biliverdin and iron. Of these, the CO is one of its most active and may act as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator nervous system, cardiovascular signaling molecule with vasoactive properties and potential involvement in nociceptive processes. Numerous research associate of the mechanisms of action of the HO/CO pathway by activation of the enzyme guanylate cyclase, cGMP or direct modulation of potassium channels, the latter being widely described as involved in various nociceptive mechanisms in particular its class ATP-sensitive (K+ATP). Thus, our goal in this study was to investigate the possible involvement of K+ATP in an antinociceptive via triggered by the HO/CO after hyperalgesia induced by administration of carrageen and exposure to electronic Von Frey and Randall Selitto. The results obtained in our experiments suggest that i.pl. treatment with the substrate of HO (hemin) caused a dose-dependent antinociception, and the possible systemic action was excluded by treating contralateral paw via. In turn, the administration HO pathway inhibitor (Tin protoporphyrin IX dichloride) increased the hyperalgesia caused by carrageen. Similar effects were not observed by the administration of the other two products, biliverdin, iron, showing the CO as the more active pathway in the modulation of nociceptive processes. Since the joint administration of glibenclamide (blocker of K+ATP) and hemin, caused the blockage of antinociceptive action caused by hemin, and the joint administration of the lowest dose-response diazoxide (potassium channel activator) and hemin caused a synergistic action between drugs, and potentiate the antinociceptive response to the pathway substrate. We also observed that the antinociceptive effect of hemin was not altered by the administration of naloxone (opioid antagonist), suggesting the exclusion of the opioid system in the antinociceptive response of the HO/CO. Thus, the results presented in this study strongly suggest that the peripheral antinociceptive action via the HO/CO may be related to the activation of potassium channels sensitive to ATP / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais - FAPEMIG

Animal and human studies have consistently demonstrated that recurrent hypoglycaemia (RH) blunts both hormonal and behavioral counter regulatory responses (CRR) to further episodes of hypoglycaemia. It is now well established that the brain is involved in regulating whole-body glucose homeostasis, including the CRR to hypoglycaemia. The aim of the current study was to investigate if adaptations occur, following RH, which are intrinsic to glucose-sensing neurons in the absence of synaptic/glial inputs or signals from the periphery. Utilising the GT1-7 hypothalamic mouse cell line as an in vitro model of homogenous glucose-excited neurons, the current study has demonstrated that recurrent low glucose exposure reprograms intracellular metabolism towards a “hypometabolic state”. This result occurs in conjunction with an attenuated ability of the cells to hyperpolarise in response to low glucose and a reduction in the sensitivity of the KATP channel to activation by MgADP. In an attempt to reverse the changes observed in KATP channel activity, the SUR1-selective KATP channel opener, NN414, was applied chronically to GT1-7 cells. However, chronic KATP channel activation severely reduced channel conductance and sensitivity to activation by MgADP and further NN414 application. These results suggest that chronic activation of the KATP channel leads to the induction of a negative feedback mechanism to reduce channel activity. This may be in an attempt to maintain neuronal membrane potential within a physiological range. These results also suggest activation of central KATP channels during RH may be driving the resulting defective CRR. However, adaptations in metabolism following RH may also be altering the function of central KATP channels.

Action potentials of striated muscle are created through movement of ions through membrane ion channels. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are the only known channels that are gated by the intracellular energetic level ([ATP]/[ADP] ratio). KATP channels are both effectors and indicators of cellular metabolism as part of a negative feedback system. Decreased intracellular energetic level alters the gating of KATP channels, which is reflected in alterations of the action potential morphology. These changes protect the cell from exhaustion or injury by altering energy-consuming processes that are driven by membrane potential. Assessing the effects of KATP channel activation on resting membrane potential and action potential morphology, and the relationship to cellular stress is important to the understanding of normal cellular function. To better understand how muscle cells adapt to energetic stress, the monophasic action potential (MAP) electrode and floating microelectrode were used to record action potentials in intact hearts and skeletal muscles, respectively. Intact organs provide a more physiological environment for the study of energetics and membrane electrical phenomena. Utilizing these techniques, a stress on the intracellular energetic state resulted in greater and faster shortening of the duration of cardiac action potentials, and hyperpolarization of the membrane of skeletal muscle in a KATP channel dependent manner. Motion artifacts are a limitation to studying transmembrane action potentials, but the MAP and floating microelectrode techniques uniquely allow for reading of action potential morphology uncoupled from motion artifacts. The use of the floating microelectrode in skeletal muscles is a novel approach that provides previously unavailable data on skeletal muscle membrane potentials in situ.

SUR2A is a member of the ABC transporter superfamily. SUR2A mediated regulation of KATP channels is essential as mutations in the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of SUR2A are associated with cardiovascular disorders. Studies of eukaryotic NBDs, such as SUR2A, are hindered by low solubility of the isolated domain. We hypothesized that the solubility of heterologously expressed SUR2A NBDs depends on the definition of the domain boundaries. Boundaries were initially predicted using a combination of a structure-based sequence alignment and homology modeling, and subsequently verified by testing the solubility of five SUR2A NBD1 constructs with different N- or C-terminal boundaries. The boundaries of SUR2A NBD1 essential for solubility were identified. CD and NMR data indicate that SUR2A NBD1 is folded. Our method may be applied as a general method for developing suitable constructs of other NBDs of ABC proteins such as SUR isoforms, SUR2B and SUR2C, and the vacuolar transporter, Ycf1p.

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels have crucial roles in several biological processes. KATP channels possess four regulatory sulfonylurea receptors. The SUR proteins are members of the ubiquitous ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. However, unlike most ABC proteins, SURs do not transport substrates but function strictly as regulators of KATP channel activity. Currently, studies into the molecular basis by which various mutations in SUR2A cause disease are highly limited. This is primarily a consequence of poor solubility of isolated SUR2A NBDs, as is typical for many eukaryotic NBDs. By employing structure-based sequence alignments and biophysical studies, we determined domain boundaries for SUR2A NBD1 that enabled, for the first time, NMR studies of NBD1. Our biophysical studies demonstrate that the isolated SUR2A NBD1 is folded and exhibits differential dynamics upon ATP binding activity. Additional studies are now possible to examine the effects of disease-causing mutations on structure, dynamics, and interactions of NBD1.