title: Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channels in exocrine salivary glands.
abstract: In the last 15 years, remarkable progress has been realized in identifying the genes that encode the ion-transporting proteins involved in exocrine gland function, including salivary glands. Among these proteins, Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels take part in key functions including membrane potential regulation, fluid movement and K(+) secretion in exocrine glands. Two K(+) channels have been identified in exocrine salivary glands: (1) a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel of intermediate single channel conductance encoded by the KCNN4 gene, and (2) a voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channel of large single channel conductance encoded by the KCNMA1 gene. This review focuses on the physiological roles of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels in exocrine salivary glands. We also discuss interesting recent findings on the regulation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels by protein-protein interactions that may significantly impact exocrine gland physiology.
authors.affiliation: Secretory Mechanisms and Dysfunction Section (SMDS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10/Room 5N102, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Electronic address: marcelo.catalan@nih.gov.
authors.forename: Marcelo A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Catalán
authors.affiliation: Secretory Mechanisms and Dysfunction Section (SMDS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10/Room 5N102, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Gaspar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peña-Munzenmayer
authors.affiliation: Secretory Mechanisms and Dysfunction Section (SMDS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10/Room 5N102, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Electronic address: james.melvin@nih.gov.
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Melvin
mesh_terms: D061354:Acinar Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051660:Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D054730:Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D051660:Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium
keywords: Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels; Epithelial ion transport; Exocrine glands; K(+) secretion