Tandem pore domain potassium channel

Tandem pore domain potassium channel (also known as K2P channel) is a type of potassium channel that has two pore-forming P domains. These channels are responsible for setting the resting membrane potential in many types of cells. They are also involved in the regulation of cellular excitability, neuronal signaling, and the response to various physiological stimuli.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Tandem pore domain potassium channels are characterized by their unique structure. Unlike other potassium channels, they have two pore-forming P domains. This structure is formed by the tandem duplication of a sequence encoding a single P domain. Each P domain consists of two transmembrane segments (M1 and M2) and a pore loop. The two P domains are connected by a linker region, which also contains a transmembrane segment.

Function[edit | edit source]

Tandem pore domain potassium channels play a crucial role in setting the resting membrane potential in many types of cells. They allow potassium ions to flow out of the cell, which helps to maintain the negative charge inside the cell. This is essential for the regulation of cellular excitability and neuronal signaling.

In addition to setting the resting membrane potential, these channels are also involved in the response to various physiological stimuli. For example, they can be activated by changes in membrane tension, pH, temperature, and the presence of certain chemicals.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the genes encoding tandem pore domain potassium channels can lead to various genetic disorders. For example, mutations in the KCNK9 gene, which encodes the K2P9.1 channel, have been associated with Birk-Barel syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, hypotonia, and distinctive facial features.

Furthermore, these channels are potential targets for the treatment of various diseases. For example, drugs that modulate the activity of these channels could potentially be used to treat pain, epilepsy, and cardiovascular diseases.