1932

Abstract

ATP-sensitive potassium channels, termed K channels, link the electrical activity of cell membranes to cellular metabolism. These channels are heteromultimers of sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) and K6.x subunits associated with a 1:1 stoichiometry as a tetramer (SUR/K6.x). K6.x forms the pores, whereas SUR regulates their activity. Changes in [ATP] and [ADP] gate the channel. The diversity of K channels results from the assembly of SUR and K6.x subtypes. K6.1-based channels differ from K6.2 channels mainly by their smaller unitary conductance. SUR1- and SUR2-based channels are distinguished by their differential sensitivity to sulfonylureas, whereas SUR2A-based channels are distinguished from SUR2B channels by their differential sensitivity to diazoxide. Mutations that result in the loss of K channels in pancreatic β-cells have been identified in SUR1 and K6.2. These mutations lead to familial hyperinsulinism. Understanding the mutations in SUR and K6.x is allowing insight into how these channels respond to nucleotides, sulfonylureas, and potassium channel openers, KCOs.

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/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.physiol.60.1.667
1998-03-01
2024-10-15
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  • Article Type: Review Article
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