Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Potential of Ca2+ Activated Potassium Channels in the Nervous System

Within the potassium ion channel family, calcium activated potassium (KCa) channels are unique in their ability to couple intracellular Ca2+ signals to membrane potential variations. KCa channels are diversely distributed throughout the central nervous system and play fundamental roles ranging from...

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Published inFrontiers in molecular neuroscience Vol. 11; p. 258
Main Authors Kshatri, Aravind S., Gonzalez-Hernandez, Alberto, Giraldez, Teresa
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Lausanne Frontiers Research Foundation 30.07.2018
Frontiers Media S.A
Subjects
Alternative splicing
Binding sites
BK channels
Calcium (intracellular)
Calcium channels
Calcium signalling
Central nervous system
drug discovery
Excitability
IK channels
Membrane potential
Mental disorders
modulators
nervous system
Neurological diseases
Neuroscience
Neurotransmitter release
Potassium
Potassium channels
Potassium channels (calcium-gated)
Proteins
SK channels
Subunit structure
Spain
Tenerife
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Summary:Within the potassium ion channel family, calcium activated potassium (KCa) channels are unique in their ability to couple intracellular Ca2+ signals to membrane potential variations. KCa channels are diversely distributed throughout the central nervous system and play fundamental roles ranging from regulating neuronal excitability to controlling neurotransmitter release. The physiological versatility of KCa channels is enhanced by alternative splicing and co-assembly with auxiliary subunits, leading to fundamental differences in distribution, subunit composition and pharmacological profiles. Thus, understanding specific KCa channels’ mechanisms in neuronal function is challenging. Based on their single channel conductance, KCa channels are divided into three subtypes: small (SK, 4-14 pS), intermediate (IK, 32-39 pS) and big potassium (BK, 200-300 pS) channels. This review describes the biophysical characteristics of these KCa channels, as well as their physiological roles and pathological implications. In addition, we also discuss the current pharmacological strategies and challenges to target KCa channels for the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
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Reviewed by: Ramon Latorre, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile; James S. Trimmer, University of California, Davis, United States
Edited by: Florian Lesage, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
ISSN:1662-5099
1662-5099
DOI:10.3389/fnmol.2018.00258