Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Potential of Ca²⁺ Activated Potassium Channels in the Nervous System.

ABSTRACT: Within the potassium ion channel family, calcium activated potassium (K_Ca) channels are unique in their ability to couple intracellular Ca²⁺ signals to membrane potential variations. K_Ca channels are diversely distributed throughout the central nervous system and play fundamental roles ranging from regulating neuronal excitability to controlling neurotransmitter release. The physiological versatility of K_Ca channels is enhanced by alternative splicing and co-assembly with auxiliary subunits, leading to fundamental differences in distribution, subunit composition and pharmacological profiles. Thus, understanding specific K_Ca channels' mechanisms in neuronal function is challenging. Based on their single channel conductance, K_Ca

SUBMITTER: Kshatri AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6077210 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature