Potassium channels (KCNs) represent the most complex class of voltage-gated ion channels from both functional and structural standpoints.
Present in all eukaryotic cells, their diverse functions include maintaining membrane potential, regulating cell volume, and modulating electrical excitability in neurons.
The delayed rectifier function of potassium channels allows nerve cells to efficiently repolarize following an action potential.
Main role of K channels is the stabilization of the cell membrane potential including:
– termination of intense activity – dampening of repetitive firing – lowering the effectiveness of excitatory inputs
Members
24 major classes
80 different subunits
| KCNAs | KCNBs | KCNCs | KCNDs | KCNEs | KCNFs | KCNGs | KCNHs | KCNIs | KCNJs |
| KCNKs | KCNLs | KCNMs | KCNNs | KCNOs | KCNPs | KCNQs |
Pathology
epilepsy
See also