K_Ca2 and K_Ca3.1 Channels in the Airways: A New Therapeutic Target

Authors

Razan Orfali, Chapman UniversityFollow
Ali AlFaiz, Biomedical Research Administration, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City
Mohammad Asikur Rahman, Chapman UniversityFollow
Liz Lau, Chapman University
Young-Woo Nam, Chapman UniversityFollow
Miao Zhang, Chapman UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-21-2023

Abstract

K⁺ channels are involved in many critical functions in lung physiology. Recently, the family of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (K_Ca) has received more attention, and a massive amount of effort has been devoted to developing selective medications targeting these channels. Within the family of K_Ca channels, three small-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (K_Ca2) channel subtypes, together with the intermediate-conductance K_Ca3.1 channel, are voltage-independent K⁺ channels, and they mediate Ca²⁺-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Many K_Ca2 channel members are involved in crucial roles in physiological and pathological systems throughout the body. In this article, different subtypes of K_Ca2 and K_Ca3.1 channels and their functions in respiratory diseases are discussed. Additionally, the pharmacology of the K_Ca2 and K_Ca3.1 channels and the link between these channels and respiratory ciliary regulations will be explained in more detail. In the future, specific modulators for small or intermediate Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels may offer a unique therapeutic opportunity to treat muco-obstructive lung diseases.

Comments

This article was originally published in Biomedicines, volume 11, in 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11071780

Recommended Citation

Orfali, R.; AlFaiz, A.; Rahman, M.A.; Lau, L.; Nam, Y.-W.; Zhang, M. K_Ca2 and K_Ca3.1 Channels in the Airways: A New Therapeutic Target. Biomedicines 2023, 11, 1780. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11071780

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.