Role of voltage-gated potassium channel α subunits in cardiovascular system

Sheng Li Xue Bao. 2024 Oct 25;76(5):761-774.

Abstract

Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) are central to cellular excitation, orchestrating skeletal and cardiac muscle contractions and enabling neural signal transduction. Among these, voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are particularly significant in cardiac electrophysiology, especially during the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. In cardiac myocytes, Kv channels are integral to a multitude of sophisticated functions, including electrical conduction. Despite their importance, research on Kv channels in the context of cardiovascular diseases is limited. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the structural complexities of Kv channels, delineating the regulatory mechanisms involved in channel gating, expression, and membrane localization. Additionally, we examine the role of different Kv α-subunits in modulating Kv channels and their impact on cardiac remodeling, and assess the potential of targeting Kv channels for the development of anti-arrhythmic therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated* / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated* / physiology

Substances

  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated