Kir5.1 channels: potential role in epilepsy and seizure disorders. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022 Sep 01;323(3):C706-C717
Date
07/19/2022Pubmed ID
35848616Pubmed Central ID
PMC9448276DOI
10.1152/ajpcell.00235.2022Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85137124646 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 7 CitationsAbstract
Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are broadly expressed in many mammalian organ systems, where they contribute to critical physiological functions. However, the importance and function of the Kir5.1 channel (encoded by the KCNJ16 gene) have not been fully recognized. This review focuses on the recent advances in understanding the expression patterns and functional roles of Kir5.1 channels in fundamental physiological systems vital to potassium homeostasis and neurological disorders. Recent studies have described the role of Kir5.1-forming Kir channels in mouse and rat lines with mutations in the Kcnj16 gene. The animal research reveals distinct renal and neurological phenotypes, including pH and electrolyte imbalances, blunted ventilatory responses to hypercapnia/hypoxia, and seizure disorders. Furthermore, it was confirmed that these phenotypes are reminiscent of those in patient cohorts in which mutations in the KCNJ16 gene have also been identified, further suggesting a critical role for Kir5.1 channels in homeostatic/neural systems health and disease. Future studies that focus on the many functional roles of these channels, expanded genetic screening in human patients, and the development of selective small-molecule inhibitors for Kir5.1 channels, will continue to increase our understanding of this unique Kir channel family member.
Author List
Staruschenko A, Hodges MR, Palygin OAuthor
Matthew R. Hodges PhD Professor in the Physiology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsEpilepsy
Humans
Kidney
Mammals
Mice
Potassium
Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
Rats
