Maxi-K potassium channels: form, function, and modulation of a class of endogenous regulators of intracellular calcium.
Large-conductance calcium-activated (maxi-K, BK) potassium channels are widely distributed in the brain. Maxi-K channels function as neuronal calcium sensors and contribute to the control of cellular excitability and the regulation of neurotransmitter release. Little is currently known of any significant role of maxi-K channels in the genesis of neurological disease. Recent advances in the molecular biology and pharmacology of these channels have revealed sources of phenotypic variability and demonstrated that they can be successfully modulated by pharmacological agents. A potential role is suggested in the treatment of conditions such as ischemic stroke and cognitive disorders.
Gribkoff
V K
VK
Neuroscience and Genitourinary Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, USA.
Starrett
J E
JE
Dworetzky
S I
SI
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D008967:Molecular Biology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated
D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated; D002118:Calcium