Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Inwardly rectifying potassium channels: their molecular heterogeneity and function

S Isomoto1, C Kondo, Y Kurachi

  • 1Department of Pharmacology II, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.

The Japanese Journal of Physiology
|February 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are crucial for cell function. This review details the molecular structures and diverse physiological roles of four main Kir channel subfamilies.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Treatment Strategies and Effectiveness in Lymphatic Malformations: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Lymphology·2025
Same author

ATP triggers a robust intracellular [Ca<sup>2+</sup> ]-mediated signalling pathway in human synovial fibroblasts.

Experimental physiology·2018
Same author

Evaluation of factors associated with relapse in telaprevir-based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

Journal of postgraduate medicine·2016
Same author

Randomised phase II study comparing dose-escalated weekly paclitaxel vs standard-dose weekly paclitaxel for patients with previously treated advanced gastric cancer.

British journal of cancer·2013
Same author

An open-label randomized controlled study of pegylated interferon/ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C with versus without fluvastatin.

Journal of viral hepatitis·2012
Same author

BRAF mutation is a powerful prognostic factor in advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer.

British journal of cancer·2011

Area of Science:

  • * Molecular biology
  • * Physiology
  • * Channelopathies

Background:

  • * Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels facilitate greater ion flow inward than outward.
  • * These channels are vital for maintaining resting membrane potential, regulating action potential duration, and controlling cellular excitability.
  • * Kir channels are implicated in ion transport across cell membranes, crucial for processes like K+ secretion and absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review the molecular structures and functions of the four main subfamilies of Kir channels.
  • * To highlight the specific physiological roles of each Kir channel subfamily.
  • * To provide an overview of current understanding in Kir channel research.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature review of molecular biological dissections and electrophysiological studies.

Related Experiment Videos

  • * Analysis of isolated cDNAs encoding Kir channel subunits.
  • * Classification of Kir channels into four main subfamilies: IRK, GIRK, ATP-dependent Kir, and ATP-sensitive Kir.

    • Main Results:

    • * Over ten cDNAs for Kir channel subunits have been identified, classified into four subfamilies.
    • * IRK subfamilies elicit classical Kir currents.
    • * GIRK subfamilies form G protein-gated Kir channels regulated by inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors.
    • * ATP-dependent Kir subfamilies (ROMK1, KAB-2) possess ATP-binding motifs and are involved in renal and glial cell K+ transport.
    • * ATP-sensitive Kir subfamilies (uKATP-1, BIR) form channels with sulfonylurea receptors.

    Conclusions:

    • * Each Kir channel subfamily exhibits distinct molecular structures and plays specific physiological roles.
    • * Understanding Kir channel diversity is key to comprehending cellular electrophysiology.
    • * Further research is needed to clone (Na+)-activated Kir channels identified in neurons and cardiac myocytes.