ABSTRACT
Two-pore domain potassium channels (K2P) make up a subfamily of potassium channels discovered in the 1990s, and TREK-1 is the most widely studied subtype of K2P. TREK-1 is widely expressed in the body and especially in the central nervous system, where its main role is to control cell excitability and maintain the membrane potential below the depolarization threshold. It thereby participates in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. TREK-1 is also a potential drug target in many diseases. It is known that many marketed drugs can affect the function of TREK-1, but currently there are no specific TREK-1 modulators or drugs. We review the structure, distribution and regulation of TREK-1 and focus on recent progress in understanding the pharmacology of TREK-1 and its role in neuroprotection, depression, anesthesia and epilepsy. The research status of TREK-1 modulators is discussed.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the feasibility of adding a flexible linker between two-pore-domain potassium channel TREK-1 (TWIK related K + channel 1)monomers to construct a tandem-linked dimer.Methods PCR was used to add a flexible linker between the two TREK-1 monomers.The cRNA obtained from in vitro transcription using the above vector was injected into Xenopus oocytes.After 24 -48 h,currents were recorded from these oocytes using a two-electrode voltage clamp.The effects of extracellular Ba2 + and pH on TdTREK-1 were observed and compared with those of native dimeric TREK-1.Results The tandem-linked dimeric TdTREK-1 was highly expressed in Xenopus oocytes.The currents through these channels were inhibited by extracellular Ba2 +and acidification.Furthermore,the responsiveness of the concatenated dimers to these extracellular stimuli was similar to that of native dimers.Conclusion Adding a flexible linker between the two monomers to construct the tandem-linked dimer does not affect the expression and gating properties of TREK-1, suggesting that the method be feasible.Such a method will allow the manipulation of a single subunit,which will help basis study the structure and function of TREK-1.