Metabolic modulation of potassium channels.
Recent investigations have shown that a range of small molecules that reflect the metabolic state of a cell regulate the activity of potassium channels. For instance, hydrogen peroxide has been shown to activate adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) channels), whereas heme closes certain calcium-activated potassium channels. Although the exact function of the beta subunit associated with voltage-gated potassium channels is still unclear, its crystal structure suggests that membrane excitability is directly coupled to metabolism.
Trauner
Dirk
D
Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. trauner@cchem.berkeley.edu
Kramer
Richard H
RH
D000818:Animals; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D015221:Potassium Channels