Biomaterial Database

A BK (Slo1) channel journey from molecule to physiology. 2013

Gustavo F Contreras, and Karen Castillo, and Nicolás Enrique, and Willy Carrasquel-Ursulaez, and Juan Pablo Castillo, and Verónica Milesi, and Alan Neely, and Osvaldo Alvarez, and Gonzalo Ferreira, and Carlos González, and Ramón Latorre

Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso; Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Valparaíso; Valparaíso, Chile; Doctorado en Ciencias mención Neurociencia; Universidad de Valparaíso; Valparaíso, Chile.

Calcium and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are key actors in cell physiology, both in neuronal and non-neuronal cells and tissues. Through negative feedback between intracellular Ca (2+) and membrane voltage, BK channels provide a damping mechanism for excitatory signals. Molecular modulation of these channels by alternative splicing, auxiliary subunits and post-translational modifications showed that these channels are subjected to many mechanisms that add diversity to the BK channel α subunit gene. This complexity of interactions modulates BK channel gating, modifying the energetic barrier of voltage sensor domain activation and channel opening. Regions for voltage as well as Ca (2+) sensitivity have been identified, and the crystal structure generated by the 2 RCK domains contained in the C-terminal of the channel has been described. The linkage of these channels to many intracellular metabolites and pathways, as well as their modulation by extracellular natural agents, has been found to be relevant in many physiological processes. This review includes the hallmarks of BK channel biophysics and its physiological impact on specific cells and tissues, highlighting its relationship with auxiliary subunit expression.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D004194	Disease	A definite pathologic process with a characteristic set of signs and symptoms. It may affect the whole body or any of its parts, and its etiology, pathology, and prognosis may be known or unknown.	Diseases
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D015640	Ion Channel Gating	The opening and closing of ion channels due to a stimulus. The stimulus can be a change in membrane potential (voltage-gated), drugs or chemical transmitters (ligand-gated), or a mechanical deformation. Gating is thought to involve conformational changes of the ion channel which alters selective permeability.	Gating, Ion Channel,Gatings, Ion Channel,Ion Channel Gatings
D051036	Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels	A major class of calcium activated potassium channels whose members are voltage-dependent. MaxiK channels are activated by either membrane depolarization or an increase in intracellular Ca(2+). They are key regulators of calcium and electrical signaling in a variety of tissues.	BK Channel,Big K Channel,Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel,Maxi K Channel,Maxi-K Channel,MaxiK Channel,BK Channels,Big K Channels,Maxi-K Channels,MaxiK Channels,Channel, BK,Channel, Big K,Channel, Maxi K,Channel, Maxi-K,Channel, MaxiK,K Channel, Big,K Channel, Maxi,Large Conductance Calcium Activated Potassium Channel,Large Conductance Calcium Activated Potassium Channels,Maxi K Channels
D026902	Potassium Channel Blockers	A class of drugs that act by inhibition of potassium efflux through cell membranes. Blockade of potassium channels prolongs the duration of ACTION POTENTIALS. They are used as ANTI-ARRHYTHMIA AGENTS and VASODILATOR AGENTS.	Channel Blockers, Potassium,Potassium Channel Blocker,Blocker, Potassium Channel,Blockers, Potassium Channel,Channel Blocker, Potassium