Potassium channels in airway epithelia

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Potassium channels are proteins found in the membrane of the cell and which permit potassium ions to enter or exit the cell as required. They are found thoughout the body, where they perform a wide range of biological functions. In epithelial cells, which line body cavities and structures providing support and protection, potassium channels are responsible for a number of important processes, including the control of fluid and electrolyte absorption and secretion, regulating cell volume, and controlling cell proliferation. Work from my laboratory is concerned with improving our understanding of potassium channels in the epithelial cells which line our lungs. The aims of this proposal are to investigate the regulation and function of two different types of potassium channels- one regulated by calcium (the Ca-activated potassium channel termed hIK), and also voltage-gated potassium channels in the Kv4 and KCNQ families. Using a number of different cell lines derived from human airway epithelial cells, we will investigate how these channels are regulated and, in the case of the Kv4 channels, where they are expressed and what their biological roles might be. To do this, we will use a number of different experimental techniques to investigate factors which might increase their expression at the gene and protein level and to compliment these studies with methods that provide direct measurements of the activity of the channels. In the long term, the goals of this research are to increase our understanding of how these important ion channels work to regulate fundamental biological processes in airway epithelia.