Potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Physiology

Background:

• Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) rely on diverse potassium (K+) channels for regulating contractility, migration, proliferation, and differentiation.
• Five primary K+ channel classes—BK, KV, Kir, KATP, and K2P—are expressed in VSMCs, with specific subtypes and subunits tailoring their function.
• K+ channel expression and activity in VSMCs are dynamic, influenced by vessel characteristics, physiological states, and pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively summarize 40 years of research on K+ channels in VSMCs.
• To detail the expression, regulation, function, and pathological alterations of BK, KV, Kir, KATP, and K2P channels in VSMCs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review encompassing approximately 40 years of research.
• Analysis of studies investigating K+ channel expression, regulation, function, and disease association in VSMCs.
• Synthesis of findings related to BK, KV, Kir, KATP, and K2P channel families.

Main Results:

• VSMCs express specific K+ channel sub-members, splice variants, and auxiliary subunits, customizing channel properties.
• K+ channel expression, activity, and surface abundance are modulated by various stimuli, including voltage, ions, lipids, and signaling pathways.
• K+ channel function exhibits sexual dimorphism and is altered in aging, pregnancy, hypertension, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

Conclusions:

• K+ channels are critical regulators of VSMC function, with diverse roles in vascular physiology and pathophysiology.
• Dysregulation and genetic mutations of K+ channels significantly contribute to vascular diseases.
• This review consolidates knowledge on K+ channels in VSMCs, highlighting their importance in cardiovascular health and disease.