Abstract
ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) play important roles in many cellular functions by coupling cell metabolism to electrical activity. The KATP channels in pancreatic beta-cells are thought to be critical in the regulation of glucose-induced and sulfonylurea-induced insulin secretion. Until recently, however, the molecular structure of the KATP channel was not known. Cloning members of the novel inwardly rectifying K+ channel subfamily Kir6.0 (Kir6.1 and Kir6.2) and the sulfonylurea receptors (SUR1 and SUR2) has clarified the molecular structure of KATP channels. The pancreatic beta-cell KATP channel comprises two subunits: a Kir6.2 subunit and an SUR1 subunit. Molecular biological and molecular genetic studies have provided insights into the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the pancreatic beta-cell KATP channel in insulin secretion.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters*
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Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism*
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Animals
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Cloning, Molecular
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Humans
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Hyperinsulinism / genetics
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Hyperinsulinism / metabolism
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Hypoglycemia / genetics
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Hypoglycemia / metabolism
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Insulin / metabolism*
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Insulin Secretion
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Islets of Langerhans / cytology
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Islets of Langerhans / metabolism*
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Mice, Transgenic
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Mutation
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Nucleotides / metabolism
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Potassium Channels / chemistry*
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Potassium Channels / genetics
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Potassium Channels / metabolism*
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying*
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Receptors, Drug / chemistry
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Receptors, Drug / genetics
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Receptors, Drug / metabolism
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Sulfonylurea Receptors
Substances
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ABCC8 protein, human
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ABCC9 protein, human
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
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Abcc8 protein, mouse
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Insulin
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Nucleotides
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Potassium Channels
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
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Receptors, Drug
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Sulfonylurea Receptors
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Adenosine Triphosphate