Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channels in exocrine salivary glands.

Marcelo A Catalán, Gaspar Peña-Munzenmayer, James E Melvin

Journal: Cell calcium 2015;55(6):362-8

PMID: 24559652

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Abstract

In the last 15 years, remarkable progress has been realized in identifying the genes that encode the ion-transporting proteins involved in exocrine gland function, including salivary glands. Among these proteins, Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels take part in key functions including membrane potential regulation, fluid movement and K(+) secretion in exocrine glands. Two K(+) channels have been identified in exocrine salivary glands: (1) a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel of intermediate single channel conductance encoded by the KCNN4 gene, and (2) a voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channel of large single channel conductance encoded by the KCNMA1 gene. This review focuses on the physiological roles of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels in exocrine salivary glands. We also discuss interesting recent findings on the regulation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels by protein-protein interactions that may significantly impact exocrine gland physiology.

Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Address: Secretory Mechanisms and Dysfunction Section (SMDS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10/Room 5N102, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Secretory Mechanisms and Dysfunction Section (SMDS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10/Room 5N102, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.; Secretory Mechanisms and Dysfunction Section (SMDS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10/Room 5N102, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2014.01.005