Pathways modulating neural KCNQ/M (Kv7) potassium channels.
K(+) channels play a crucial role in regulating the excitability of neurons. Many K(+) channels are, in turn, regulated by neurotransmitters. One of the first neurotransmitter-regulated channels to be identified, some 25 years ago, was the M channel. This was categorized as such because its activity was inhibited through stimulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. M channels are now known to be composed of subunits of the Kv7 (KCNQ) K(+) channel family. However, until recently, the link between the receptors and the channels has remained elusive. Here, we summarize recent developments that have begun to clarify this link and discuss their implications for physiology and medicine.
Delmas
Patrick
P
Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie Cellulaire, UMR 6150 CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, IFR Jean Roche, Bd. Pierre Dramard, 13916 Marseille Cedex 20, France. delmas.p@jean-roche.univ-mrs.fr
Brown
David A
DA
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D019269:Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate / Q000502:physiology; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic / Q000378:metabolism; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000502:physiology; D015854:Up-Regulation
D019269:Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic