title: SK channels in excitability, pacemaking and synaptic integration.
abstract: Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels link elevations of intracellular calcium ions to membrane potential, exerting a hyperpolarizing influence when activated. The consequences of SK channel activity have been revealed by the specific blocker apamin, a peptide toxin from honeybee venom. Recent studies have revealed unexpected roles for SK channels in fine-tuning intrinsic cell firing properties and in responsiveness to synaptic input. They have also identified specific roles for different SK channel subtypes. A host of Ca2+ sources, including distinct subtypes of voltage-dependent calcium channels, intracellular Ca2+ stores and Ca2+-permeable ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, activate SK channels. The macromolecular complex in which the Ca2+ source, SK channels and various modulators are assembled determines the kinetics and consequences of SK channel activation.
authors.affiliation: Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
authors.forename: Chris T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maylie
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Adelman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated; D002118:Calcium