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Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Isolation and Kv Channel Recordings in Murine Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes
Published on: March 12, 2013
KCa2 and KCa3.1 Channels in the Airways: A New Therapeutic Target
Razan Orfali1,2, Ali AlFaiz2, Mohammad Asikur Rahman1
1Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA.
Abstract:
K+ channels are involved in many critical functions in lung physiology. Recently, the family of Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa) has received more attention, and a massive amount of effort has been devoted to developing selective medications targeting these channels. Within the family of KCa channels, three small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2) channel subtypes, together with the intermediate-conductance KCa3.1 channel, are voltage-independent K+ channels, and they mediate Ca2+-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Many KCa2 channel members are involved in crucial roles in physiological and pathological systems throughout the body. In this article, different subtypes of KCa2 and KCa3.1 channels and their functions in respiratory diseases are discussed. Additionally, the pharmacology of the KCa2 and KCa3.1 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.
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