Role for TREK-1 as a polymodal sensor and regulator of cell activity

TREK-1 (KCNK2) is a polymodal two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel that functions as a background K⁺ conductance and integrator of mechanical, chemical, and thermal stimuli across diverse cell types. Its unique structure enables sensitivity to membrane stretch, lipid composition, pH, temperature, pharmacologic agents, and intracellular signaling pathways. Beyond shaping resting membrane potential and excitability, TREK-1 engages in noncanonical signaling roles involving protein-protein interactions, trafficking, and modulation of intracellular signaling cascades such as MAPK and calcineurin pathways. TREK-1 is widely expressed in the nervous system, where it regulates neuronal firing, pain sensitivity, mood, and neuroprotection. In the heart, TREK-1 influences action potential duration, mechano-electric feedback, sinoatrial node function, and stress-induced remodeling, with mutations linked to arrhythmogenesis. In fibroblasts and fibroblast-like cells, TREK-1 acts as a mechanotransducer driving differentiation and fibrosis through MAPK signaling. TREK-1 also modulates immune activation, inflammasome signaling, adipogenesis, epithelial injury responses, vascular tone, and cancer cell proliferation. Across tissues, dysregulation of TREK-1 contributes to pathological excitability, fibrosis, inflammation, and degeneration. Given its multimodal regulation and broad impact on cellular function, TREK-1 represents a compelling therapeutic target, though challenges remain due to limited subtype-selective pharmacology and incomplete understanding of its nonionic signaling roles.