Starring TREK-1: the next generation of vascular K+ channels.

“We are more alike than unlike, my dear Captain. I have pores, humans have pores.” Lieutenant Commander Data, Stardate 41209.2 Before 1996, all known mammalian K channels were classified into only two different structural families according to the number of transmembrane (TM) spanning and pore-forming (P) domains in their subunit. One family is characterized by K channels composed of two TM domains and one P domain, and includes the inwardly rectifying and ATP-sensitive K channels. The second family represents K channels characterized by six or seven TM domains and one P domain, and includes the voltage-gated and Ca -activated K channels. To form one functional channel for either of these families, four subunits assemble to establish one K permeable pore. In the mid 1990s, researchers took advantage of the fact that the P domain of each K channel’s pore-forming subunit is highly conserved across species and represents a common structural motif.1 Genome searches for DNA sequences coding for the P domain revealed a unique K channel in yeast and Caenorhabditis elegans that contained two P domains within a single subunit polypeptide having eight potential TM domains.2 The following year a human K channel was cloned that also showed the unique feature of two P domains, but displayed four TM domains in a single subunit (Figure 1).3 The channel was given the name TWIK-1 (Tandem of P domains in a Weak Inward rectifying K channel). Since the cloning of TWIK-1, a total of fifteen genes coding for K channels having two P domains (K2P) and four TM domains have been identified and assigned to the KCNK gene family.4 KCNK can be subdivided into six classes of channels: 1) weak inward rectifiers (TWIK-1, TWIK-2, KCNK7); 2) mechano-gated (TREK-1, TREK-2, TRAAK); 3) alkaline-activated (TALK-1, TALK-2, TASK2), 4) acid-inhibited (TASK-1, TASK-3, TASK-5), 5) halothane-inhibited (THIK-1, THIK-2); and 6) calcium-activated (TRESK). All but KCNK7, KCNK15 (TASK-5), and KCNK12 (THIK-2) have been shown to encode for functional K channels in heterologous expression systems. The K2P channels are typically open at negative membrane potentials and, therefore, are often referred to as “leak”, “background”, or “baseline” K channels. They are ubiquitously expressed throughout the body with the brain being a particular rich source, and are postulated to importantly contribute to the resting membrane potential in neurons.4,5 Specific antagonists for the K2P channels are not available, and these channels are typically resistant to conventional inhibitors of K channels including tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine. Thus, defining the properties, regulation and function of K2P channels in specific cell types often relies on using multiple approaches to detect the channel protein, identify K current of matching phenotype, and alter channel activity using recognized modulators. In this regard, different types of K2P channels can be regulated by protein kinases, changes in internal or external pH, anesthetic agents, heat, stretch, and compounds that alter the curvature of the membrane.5 In this issue of Circulation Research, Blondeau et al6 report that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and particularly -linolenic acid, induce dilation of the basilar artery by activation of TREK-1 (TWIK RElated K) channels (Figure 2). They propose that this event contributes to the neuroprotective effect of PUFA that previously was attributed to the activation of neuronal TREK-1 channels, and subsequently, reduced neuronal excitability.7 Notably, vascular tissues express many K2P channels including TREK-1, the second K2P channel to be cloned.8–11 However, the vasodilator functions of K channels have been attributed almost exclusively to earlier classical K channels, and only recently has a dilator function of vascular K2P channels been reported. For example, Gurney et al9 concluded that TASK-1 channels are major contributors to the resting membrane potential of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rabbit pulmonary artery. Recently, Bryan et al8 reported that arachidonic acid activates K currents likely belonging to the K2P family in VSMCs of rat middle cerebral arteries, which induces vasodilation of these vessels. The latter report supports the contention of Blondeau and colleagues6 that K2P channels regulate cerebrovascular reactivity as targets of vasoactive lipids. Notably, lipids are known to activate or inhibit TREK-1 channels in nonvascular cells depending on whether they deform the membrane in an outward or inward direction, respectively.5 Lipids including arachidonic acid and other PUFAs that produce an outward curvature result in channel activation,12–14 whereas saturated fatty acids have no effect on TREK-1 activity.15 The regulation of TREK-1 channels by membrane stretch, pH, temperature, signaling molecules and The opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily those of the editors or of the American Heart Association. From the Department of Anesthesiology (R.M.B.Jr., E.L.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (B.K.J., N.J.R.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. Correspondence to Nancy J. Rusch, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, #611, Little Rock, AR 72205-7199. E-mail [email protected] (Circ Res. 2007;101:119-121.) © 2007 American Heart Association, Inc.