ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels comprise Kir and SUR subunits. Using recombinant K(ATP) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes, we observed that MgATP (100 microm) block of Kir6.2/SUR2A currents gradually declined with time, whereas inhibition of Kir6.2/SUR1 or Kir6.2DeltaC36 currents did not change. The decline in Kir6.2/SUR2A ATP sensitivity was not observed in Mg(2+) free solution a...

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels are a major drug target for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. K(ATP) channels are ubiquitously expressed and link the metabolic state to electrical excitability. In pancreatic β-cells, K(ATP) channels are crucial in the regulation of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Also, K(ATP) channels are involved in the protection against neuronal seizures and isc...

Muskrats (Ondontra zibethicus) are common freshwater diving mammals exhibiting a bradycardia with both forced and voluntary diving. This bradycardia is mediated by vagal innervation; however, if hypoxia is present there may be local factors that also decrease heart rate. Some of these local factors may include ATP-sensitive potassium channel activation and extracellular accumulation of potassiu...

We unveil a new homogeneous assay-using OliGreen and an ATP-binding aptamer-for the highly selective and sensitive detection of potassium ions.

Limitation of water loss and control of gas exchange is accomplished in plant leaves via stomatal guard cells. Stomata open in response to light when an increase in guard cell turgor is triggered by ions and water inf lux across the plasma membrane. Recent evidence demonstrating the existence of ATP-binding cassette proteins in plants led us to analyze the effect of compounds known for their ab...

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP)) have been thought to be a mediator of cardioprotection for the last ten years. Significant progress has been made in learning the pharmacology of this channel as well as its molecular regulation with regard to cardioprotection. K(ATP)openers as a class protect ischemic/reperfused myocardium and appear to do so by conservation of energy. The reduced rate...

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels conduct potassium ions across cell membranes and thereby couple cellular energy metabolism to membrane electrical activity. Here, we report the heterologous expression and purification of a functionally active K(ATP) channel complex composed of pore-forming Kir6.2 and regulatory SUR1 subunits, and determination of its structure at 18 A resolution by sin...

BACKGROUND Potassium channels play critical roles in the regulation of cell membrane potential, which is central to the excitability of myometrium. The ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel is one of the most abundant potassium channels in myometrium. The objectives of this study were to investigate the protein expression of KATP channel in human myometrium and determine the levels of KATP cha...

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, so named because they are inhibited by intracellular (ATP), play key physiological roles in many tissues. In pancreatic beta cells, these channels regulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion and serve as the target for sulfonylurea drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. This review focuses on insulin secretory disorders, such as congenital hyperinsuline...

Hypoglycemic sulfonylureas (e.g., glibenclamide, glipizide, and tolbutamide) exert their stimulatory effect on excitatory cells by closure of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. These channels are heteromultimers composed with a 4:4 stoichiometry of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel (KIR) subunit 6.x plus a sulfonylurea receptor (SUR). SUR1/KIR6.2 reconstitutes the neuronal/pancreatic beta...