KCNMA 1, a pore‐forming α‐subunit of BK channels, regulates insulin signalling in mature adipocytes

KCNMA 1 is a pore‐forming α‐subunit of the large conductance Ca 2+ ‐ and voltage‐activated K + channels, referred to as BK channels, which play key roles in various physiological functions. However, the role of KCNMA 1 in mature adipocytes remains unclear. In this study, we reveal that kcnma1 expression is downregulated in white adipose tissue of mice fed a high‐fat diet and in hypertrophied adipocytes. Furthermore, inhibition of kcnma1 expression or treatment with a BK channel blocker attenuated insulin‐induced Akt phosphorylation in mature adipocytes. These results strongly indicate that KCNMA 1 contributes to the regulation of insulin signalling in mature adipocytes.