K+ channels: generating excitement in pancreatic beta-cells
K+ channels: generating excitement in pancreatic beta-cells. I D Dukes and L H Philipson Glaxo Wellcome Research Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. dukesI@glaxo.com Abstract K+ channels play a key role in cellular physiology by regulating the efflux of K+ ions. They are th...
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Published in | Diabetes (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 45; no. 7; pp. 845 - 853 |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
American Diabetes Association
01.07.1996
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Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | K+ channels: generating excitement in pancreatic beta-cells.
I D Dukes and
L H Philipson
Glaxo Wellcome Research Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. dukesI@glaxo.com
Abstract
K+ channels play a key role in cellular physiology by regulating the efflux of K+ ions. They are the most diverse group of
ion channel proteins; more than 30 K+ channel genes have been characterized. Regulated by ATP, voltage, and calcium, multiple
K+ channels coexist in the beta-cell to regulate membrane potential, cell excitability, and insulin secretion. Recent developments
at the molecular level have greatly expanded our understanding of beta-cell K+ channel structure and function, especially
in regard to the ATP-sensitive K+ channel, the target for sulfonylurea drugs. Mutations in K+ channel genes underlie diseases
as diverse as persistent hyperinsulinemia of infancy, cardiac long QT syndrome, cerebellar degeneration, and certain ataxias.
These discoveries have identified new pharmacological targets for possible therapeutic intervention in the treatment of diabetes. |
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ISSN: | 0012-1797 1939-327X 0012-1797 |
DOI: | 10.2337/diabetes.45.7.845 |