Negative Influence by the Force: Mechanically Induced Hyperpolarization via K2P Background Potassium Channels.

ABSTRACT: The two-pore domain K2P subunits form background (leak) potassium channels, which are characterized by constitutive, although not necessarily constant activity, at all membrane potential values. Among the fifteen pore-forming K2P subunits encoded by the KCNK genes, the three members of the TREK subfamily, TREK-1, TREK-2, and TRAAK are mechanosensitive ion channels. Mechanically induced opening of these channels generally results in outward K+ current under physiological conditions, with consequent hyperpolarization and inhibition of membrane potential-dependent cellular functions. In the past decade, great advances have been made in the investigation of the molecular determinants of mechanosensation, and members of the TREK subfamily have emerged among the best-understood examples of mamma

SUBMITTER: Lengyel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8396510 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature