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Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli
Published on: June 27, 2015
Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Glomerulus: From Cell Signal Integration to Disease
Jie Tao1, Zhen Lan1, Yunman Wang1
1Department of Nephrology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are currently considered as vital players in a variety of renal physiological processes. In podocytes, BK channels become active in response to stimuli that increase local cytosolic Ca(2+), possibly secondary to activation of slit diaphragm TRPC6 channels by chemical or mechanical stimuli. Insulin increases filtration barrier permeability through mobilization of BK channels. In mesangial cells, BK channels co-expressed with β1 subunits act as a major component of the counteractive response to contraction in order to regulate glomerular filtration. This review aims to highlight recent discoveries on the localization, physiological and pathological roles of BK channels in glomerulus.
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