Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Published on: January 10, 2011
SK channels are on the move
1Laboratory of Pharmacology and Research Center for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. V.Seutin@ulg.ac.be
Abstract:
Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK channels) underlie the medium duration after hyperpolarization that follows single or trains of action potentials in many types of neurons. Three subtypes of SK subunits, SK1 (K(Ca)2.1), SK2 (K(Ca)2.2) and SK3 (K(Ca)2.3), have been cloned and are expressed differentially within the central nervous system (CNS). A paper in this issue of BJP reports the discovery of the first example of a positive modulator displaying not only selectivity for SK channels over other channels, but also a subtype selectivity among SK and analogous channels (SK3>SK2>>>SK1=IK). Together with other recent progress in the field, this finding enriches the repertoire of tools available to test the hypothesis that SK channels may be targets for future CNS drugs.
Related Concept Videos
Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow specific...
Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview
The electrical gradient: The electrical gradient across cell membranes refers to the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a cell. This difference drives the movement of ions towards or away from the cells. For instance, if the inside of the cell is more negatively charged relative to the...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.

