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Functional Role of Mitochondrial and Nuclear BK Channels
1State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
BK channels are important for the regulation of many cell functions. The significance of plasma membrane BK channels in the control of action potentials, resting membrane potential, and neurotransmitter release is well established; however, the composition and functions of mitochondrial and nuclear BK (nBK) channels are largely unknown. In this chapter, we summarize the recent findings on the subcellular localization, biophysical, and pharmacological properties of mitochondrial and nBK channels and discuss their molecular identity and physiological functions.
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