Special Collection on Inward Rectifying Potassium Channels
March 2023
in “
American journal of physiology. Cell physiology
”
TLDR Inward rectifier potassium channels are important in many body functions and diseases, and could be potential drug targets.
The document reviews the current research on inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels, which are crucial in various cellular, tissue, and organ processes. The Kir channel family, consisting of 16 genes (KCNJx), is expressed in a cell-type-specific manner in both excitable and nonexcitable cells. These channels are implicated in diseases like Cantu syndrome, characterized by excessive hair growth and other disorders, and can be targeted by drugs like glibenclamide. They also play roles in lymphatic vessel function, insulin secretion, kidney function, nervous system function, and vision. The review emphasizes the need for more research and the therapeutic potential of Kir channels in various diseases.
