Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that the subfamily of large-conductance potassium (“big”, “BK”) channels are involved in diverse, and perhaps coordinated, protective or counteractive responses to local or generalized ischemia and hypoxia. Although widely distributed, the physiological differences among BK channels which results from posttranslational modification (alternative splicing) and co-assembly with auxiliary modulatory subunits (β1-4 and γ1-4), bestows localized differences in subunit composition, distribution, 2nd-messenger coupling, and pharmacologic properties. Due to the ubiquitous nature of BK channels and the multiplicity of subtypes, they have many potential therapeutic applications in the maintenance of oxygen homeostasis, cerebro- and cardio-protection, and stimulation of respiration in response to drug-induced respiratory depression. BK channels may also offer other potentially broad and underrecognized promising targets for novel pharmaceutical development.
Highlights
The physiological differences among BK channels which results from posttranslational modification and co-assembly with auxiliary modulatory subunits (β1-4 and γ1-4), bestows localized differences in subunit composition, distribution, 2nd-messenger coupling, and pharmacologic properties
They are involved in various neurological processes and their dysfunction for example leads to neurological pathologies like epilepsy, paroxysmal dyskinesia, or schizophrenia. In places where their signaling is involved in the regulation of blood flow and the detection of deviations from normal pO2, pCO2, and pH, the macroscopic physiologic responses result in protection against episodes of ischemia and hypoxia
The accumulated evidence suggests that BK channels—because of the extensive diversity of their subtypes, distribution, and pharmacology—participate in the maintenance of protection against ischemia and hypoxia at multiple points throughout the body
Summary
Due to variability in component composition and posttranslational modifications, BK channel subtypes are expressed in different frequencies in various organs/tissues, with differing chemo-sensitivities and 2nd-messenger transduction processes. They are involved in various neurological processes and their dysfunction for example leads to neurological pathologies like epilepsy, paroxysmal dyskinesia, or schizophrenia. In places where their signaling is involved in the regulation of blood flow and the detection of deviations from normal pO2, pCO2, and pH, the macroscopic physiologic responses result in protection against episodes of ischemia and hypoxia.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
