Benefits Of Potassium Channels

Potassium channels (KC) are selective transmembrane proteins that allow K+ ions flow down an electrochemical gradient across cell membrane, thus controlling plasma membrane potential in both excitable and non-excitable cells (Szabo, Zoratti&Gulbins, 2010). Evolutionarily conserved KC family is one of the larges and most diverse of ion channels (Table1). Its diversity comes not only from a large number of genes coding for main subunits (over 80 mammalian genes). Many other processes such as ex.posttranslational modifications, heterometric assembly of protein’s subunits, local translation in neuronal processes and channels’ interactions with auxiliary subunits result in further diversification (Coetzee et al., 1999). Molecular diversity of KC underlies their different functional properties, essential for a broad range of biological processes in which they are involved. This essay discusses advantages of neuronal KC diversity of different …show more content…
In C.elegans, great diversity of species-specific KCs fine-tune neuronal properties. TWK mRNA editing works as an adaptive mechanism to improve neuronal computing, regulating i.a. movement, egg-lying and defecation. Presence of additional membrane conductances, such as SLO-2, which function under abnormal physiological conditions, provide a selective advantage for C.elegans to cope with various environmental challenges (ex.hypoxia). Octopuses, on the other hand, benefit from Kv1 mRNA editing which serves as a long-term adaptation (or rapid acclimation) for species inhabiting different temperature ranges. In mammalian brains, different dendritic KCs play different roles in neuronal signalling -Kir channels regulate membrane resting potential and play an important role in synaptic integration, while A-type KCs regulate AP back-propagation and underlie mechanisms of LTP and synaptic