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Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents
Published on: July 3, 2013
SK channels as antiarrhythmic targets for atrial fibrillation: structural and pharmacological perspectives
Megan K McKie1, Emma H Meibom1, Andreina Gil Ramirez1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels have emerged as promising atrial-selective targets for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation (AF). Genetic association studies, functional experiments, and early clinical trials collectively support a role for SK channels in atrial repolarization and AF maintenance. Recent breakthroughs in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy have provided high-resolution structures of the SK2 channel, revealing unique architectural features that underlie its low conductance and susceptibility to pharmacological modulation. Numerous studies have shown alterations in SK transcript abundance in AF in both humans and animal models. However, recent functional studies have demonstrated dynamic regulation of SK channel gating and membrane trafficking in AF, highlighting context-dependent pro- and antiarrhythmic effects. This mini review summarizes the recent structural and functional advances in our understanding of SK channels and emerging therapeutic implications for AF.
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