title: [Potassium channels, genetic and acquired diseases].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  K(+) channels allow the passive and selective transport of K(+) ions through the membranes. They control K(+) homeostasis, neuronal and muscular excitabilities, and neurotransmitter and hormone release.
  
  
  METHODS
  K(+) channels are composed of pore-forming subunits associated with regulatory subunits. Many different K(+) channels have been identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This diversity is stressed by the growing number of genetic and acquired diseases associated with these channels.
authors.affiliation: Institut de pharmacologie moléculaire et cellulaire, centre national de la recherche scientifique, Sophia-Antipolis, 660, route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzuca
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lesage
mesh_terms: D050030:Andersen Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics; D001477:Bartter Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000235:genetics; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D015221:Potassium Channels