Аннотация:Microscopic molecular dynamics free energy erturbation calculations of the K+/Na+ selectivity in the KcsA potassium channel, based on its experimental three-dimensional structure, are reported. The relative binding free energies for K+ and Na+ in the most relevant ion occupancy states of the four-site selectivity filter are calculated. The previously proposed mechanism for ion permeation through the KcsA channel is predicted, in agreement with available experimental data, to have a significant selectivity for K+ over Na+. The calculations also show that the individual `binding site' selectivities are generally not additive and the doubly loaded states of the filter thus display cooperative effects. The only site that is not K+ selective is that which is located at the entrance to the internal water cavity, suggesting the possibility that internal Na+ could block outward currents.