Shaker/Kv1 potassium channel SHK-1 protects against pathogen infection and oxidative stress in C. elegans.

ABSTRACT: The Shaker/Kv1 subfamily of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels is essential for modulating membrane excitability. Their loss results in prolonged depolarization and excessive calcium influx. These channels have also been implicated in a variety of other cellular processes, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Through comprehensive screening of K+ channel mutants in C. elegans, we discovered that shk-1 mutants are highly susceptible to bacterial pathogen infection and oxidative stress. This vulnerability is associated with reduced glycogen levels and substantial mitochondrial dysfunction, including decreased ATP production and dysregulated mitochondrial membrane potential under stress conditions. SHK-1 is predominantly expressed and functions in body wall muscle to mai

SUBMITTER: Pu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11849984 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature