FOR 1086: K2P-Channels - From Molecules to Physiology and Pathophysiology

双孔域钾离子通道（k2p -channel）是最近发现的一类钾离子通道。人类kp通道家族包括15个成员。通道的名称来源于它们的结构：每个亚基具有两个孔域和四个跨膜域。功能的钾离子通道以二聚体的形式组装，其中四个孔域形成一个钾选择性孔（所有其他钾离子通道每个亚基只有一个孔域，并以四聚体的形式组装）。K2P通道的活性以非常复杂的方式调节，例如受神经递质、局部pH值变化、多不饱和脂肪酸、膜的机械拉伸、热和吸入麻醉剂的调节。kp通道是潜在的有趣的药物靶点，可以为治疗各种疾病开辟新的策略。kp通道参与的病理生理过程包括神经保护、吸入麻醉、伤害、癫痫、心律失常、肾盐和水平衡紊乱、肺动脉高压、细胞增殖和内分泌紊乱。该研究单位的目的是联合德国在kp通道领域工作的研究小组进行一个联合项目：阐明kp通道的生理学和病理生理学，并开发以kp通道作为药物靶点的新治疗策略。研究单位的目标是

Two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2P-channels) represent the most recently discovered class of potassium channels. The family of K2P-channels in humans comprises 15 members. The name of the channels was derived from their structure: Every subunit possesses two pore domains and four transmembrane domains. Functional K2P-channels assemble as dimers, in which altogether four pore domains form a potassium-selective pore (all other potassium channels possess only one pore domain per subunit and assemble as tetramers). The activity of K2P channels is regulated in a very complex manner, for example by neurotransmitters, by local pH changes, polyunsaturated fatty acids, mechanical stretch of the membrane, heat and inhalation anaesthetics. K2P-channels are potentially interesting drug targets and could open up new strategies for the treatment of various diseases. The pathophysiologically interesting processes in which K2P-channels are involved include neuroprotection, inhalation anaesthesia, nociception, epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, renal disturbances of salt- and water balance, pulmonary hypertension, cell proliferation and endocrine disorders. The aim of the Research Unit is to unite the research groups working in Germany in the field of K2P-channels to a joint project: the elucidation of the physiology and pathophysiology of K2P-channels and the development of new therapeutic strategies with K2P-channels as drug targets. The Research Unit aims to