BK channels are linked to inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors via lipid rafts: a novel mechanism for coupling [Ca(2+)](i) to ion channel activation.

ABSTRACT: Glioma cells prominently express a unique splice variant of a large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel (BK channel). These channels transduce changes in intracellular calcium to changes of K(+) conductance in the cells and have been implicated in growth control of normal and malignant cells. The Ca(2+) increase that facilitates channel activation is thought to occur via activation of intracellular calcium release pathways or influx of calcium through Ca(2+)-permeable ion channels. We show here that BK channel activation involves the activation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP(3)R), which localize near BK channels in specialized membrane domains called lipid rafts. Disruption of lipid rafts with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin disrupts the functional association of BK cha

SUBMITTER: Weaver AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2227909 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature