Inward-rectifying Potassium Channelopathies: New Insights into Disorders of Sodium and Potassium Homeostasis

Overview

Journal Pediatr Nephrol

Specialties Nephrology
Pediatrics

Date 2014 Jun 6

PMID 24899236

Citations 6

Authors

Chih-Jen Cheng

Chih-Chien Sung

Chou-Long Huang

Shih-Hua Lin

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Inward-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels allow more inward than outward potassium flux when channels are open in mammalian cells. At physiological resting membrane potentials, however, they predominantly mediate outward potassium flux and play important roles in regulating the resting membrane potential in diverse cell types and potassium secretion in the kidneys. Mutations of Kir channels cause human hereditary diseases collectively called Kir channelopathies, many of which are characterized by disorders of sodium and potassium homeostasis. Studies on these genetic Kir channelopathies have shed light on novel pathophysiological mechanisms, including renal sodium and potassium handling, potassium shifting in skeletal muscles, and aldosterone production in the adrenal glands. Here, we review several recent advances in Kir channels and their clinical implications in sodium and potassium homeostasis.

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