What is it about?
Ion channels are transmembrane proteins containing pore regions. Their pores open to allow specific ions through when ion channels are stimulated by voltage, ligands or stretch, and ultimately to maintain the normal cellular function or cause pathological problems. Ion channels are very important drug targets. BK channels are a kind of potassium channels, which is unique in terms of their large conductance and double sensitivity to both voltage and calcium. Microglia are immune cells resided in the brain. This review summarizes the feature of BK channels in microglia under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Why is it important?
Microglia plays vital roles in many neurological diseases such as stroke. Their functions are maintained by various ion channels. We and others found that BK channels are closely involved in the activation, phagocytosis and migration of microglia, however there are still many mystery about these channels which prevent the development of therapeutic strategies targeting on them. By summarizing the available information, it will help to find the answers and the future directions.
Perspectives
It’s a great pleasure to share my research and thoughts about microglia BK channels by writing this article. Starting from the electrophysiology study of cloned BK channels, to the study of BK channels in specific cells and animal models, I‘ve been continuously discovering the new feature of these channels and enjoying the process. I hope more and more people know this channel and get involved.
Xiaohui Sun
Soochow University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: BK channels in microglia, Brain Science Advances, February 2023, Tsinghua University Press,
DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2023.9050001.
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