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Review
. 2011 Sep-Oct;5(5):402-9.
doi: 10.4161/chan.5.5.16469. Epub 2011 Sep 1.

Molecular regulations governing TREK and TRAAK channel functions

Jacques Noël  1 , Guillaume Sandoz, Florian Lesage
Affiliations
Review

Molecular regulations governing TREK and TRAAK channel functions

Jacques Noël et al. Channels (Austin). 2011 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

K+ channels with two-pore domain (K2p) form a large family of hyperpolarizing channels. They produce background currents that oppose membrane depolarization and cell excitability. They are involved in cellular mechanisms of apoptosis, vasodilatation, anesthesia, pain, neuroprotection and depression. This review focuses on TREK-1, TREK-2 and TRAAK channels subfamily and on the mechanisms that contribute to their molecular heterogeneity and functional regulations. Their molecular diversity is determined not only by the number of genes but also by alternative splicing and alternative initiation of translation. These channels are sensitive to a wide array of biophysical parameters that affect their activity such as unsaturated fatty acids, intra- and extracellular pH, membrane stretch, temperature, and intracellular signaling pathways. They interact with partner proteins that influence their activity and their plasma membrane expression. Molecular heterogeneity, regulatory mechanisms and protein partners are all expected to contribute to cell specific functions of TREK currents in many tissues.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Partners, regulatory domains and alternative variants of TREK-1 channel.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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