BK channel activators and their therapeutic perspectives

The large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated K(+) channel (KCa1.1, BK, MaxiK) is ubiquitously expressed in the body, and holds the ability to integrate changes in intracellular calcium and membrane potential. This makes the BK channel an important negative feedback system linking increases i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in physiology 2014-10, Vol.5, p.389-389
Main Authors: Bentzen, Bo H, Olesen, Søren-Peter, Rønn, Lars C B, Grunnet, Morten
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
activators
KCa1.1
KCNMA1
MaxiK
Pharmacology
Physiology
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Summary:The large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated K(+) channel (KCa1.1, BK, MaxiK) is ubiquitously expressed in the body, and holds the ability to integrate changes in intracellular calcium and membrane potential. This makes the BK channel an important negative feedback system linking increases in intracellular calcium to outward hyperpolarizing potassium currents. Consequently, the channel has many important physiological roles including regulation of smooth muscle tone, neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Additionally, cardioprotective roles have been revealed in recent years. After a short introduction to the structure, function and regulation of BK channels, we review the small organic molecules activating BK channels and how these tool compounds have helped delineate the roles of BK channels in health and disease.
ISSN:1664-042X
1664-042X
DOI:10.3389/fphys.2014.00389