Membrane phospholipids control activity of the mechanosensitive K2P channel TREK1

Abstract

Tandem pore (K2P) potassium ion channels play vital roles in human physiology, chiefly responsible for maintaining cellular resting membrane potential. Modulation of K2P channel activity controls cellular excitability, altering the degree of input signal required to reach action potential thresholds. For the mechanosensitive subfamily of K2Ps, including the TREK1, TREK2, and TRAAK channels, a wide range of diverse and dissimilar inputs alter channel activity, including pH, heat, mechanical stretch, lipids, post-translational modification, and an array of pharmacologically active agents including volatile anesthetics, antidepressants, and neuroprotective agents.