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New tricks for old dogs: KCNQ expression and role in smooth muscle
Author(s) -
Greenwood Iain A,
Ohya Susumu
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00131.x
Subject(s) - contractility , vascular smooth muscle , microbiology and biotechnology , ion channel , neuroscience , biology , myocyte , gene expression , gene , smooth muscle , bioinformatics , endocrinology , genetics , receptor
Ion channels encoded by the KCNQ gene family (K v 7.1–7.5) are major determinants of neuronal membrane potential and the cardiac action potential. This key physiological role is highlighted by the existence of a number of hereditary disorders caused by mutations to KCNQ genes. Recently, KCNQ gene expression has been identified in vascular and non‐vascular smooth muscles. In addition, experiments with an array of pharmacological modulators of KCNQ channels have supported a crucial role for these channels in regulating smooth muscle contractility. This article will provide an overview of present understanding in this nascent area of KCNQ research and will offer guidance as to future directions.