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Pharmacology of mitochondrial potassium channels: dark side of the field
Author(s) -
Szewczyk Adam,
Kajma Anna,
Malinska Dominika,
Wrzosek Antoni,
Bednarczyk Piotr,
Zabłocka Barbara,
Dołowy Krzysztof
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.02.048
Subject(s) - potassium channel , potassium channel opener , mitochondrion , cytoprotection , chemistry , sk channel , potassium , biophysics , membrane potential , microbiology and biotechnology , cromakalim , potassium channel blocker , calcium activated potassium channel , pharmacology , biochemistry , ion channel , biology , receptor , apoptosis , agonist , organic chemistry
Mitochondrial potassium channels play an important role in cytoprotection. Potassium channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane are modulated by inhibitors and activators (potassium channel openers) previously described for plasma membrane potassium channels. The majority of mitochondrial potassium channel modulators exhibit a broad spectrum of off‐target effects. These include uncoupling properties, inhibition of the respiratory chain and effects on cellular calcium homeostasis. Therefore, the rational application of channel inhibitors or activators is crucial to understanding the cellular consequences of mitochondrial channel inhibition or activation. Moreover, understanding their side‐effects should facilitate the design of a specific mitochondrial channel opener with cytoprotective properties. In this review, we discuss the complex interactions of potassium channel inhibitors and activators with cellular structures.