BK Channel Activators and Their Therapeutic Perspectives

Overview

Journal Front Physiol

Date 2014 Oct 28

PMID 25346695

Citations 72

Authors

Bo H Bentzen

Soren-Peter Olesen

Lars C B Ronn

Morten Grunnet

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated K(+) channel (KCa1.1, BK, MaxiK) is ubiquitously expressed in the body, and holds the ability to integrate changes in intracellular calcium and membrane potential. This makes the BK channel an important negative feedback system linking increases in intracellular calcium to outward hyperpolarizing potassium currents. Consequently, the channel has many important physiological roles including regulation of smooth muscle tone, neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Additionally, cardioprotective roles have been revealed in recent years. After a short introduction to the structure, function and regulation of BK channels, we review the small organic molecules activating BK channels and how these tool compounds have helped delineate the roles of BK channels in health and disease.

Citing Articles

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Activation mechanism and novel binding sites of the BK channel activator CTIBD.

Lee N, Kim S, Lee N, Jo H, Jeong P, Pagire H Life Sci Alliance. 2024; 7(10).

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Large conductance voltage-and calcium-activated K (BK) channel in health and disease.

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