今回、国際生理学会参加およびシンポジウムでのご発表のために来日されます。 この機会を活かして、生理研でのご講演をお願いしました。

K⁺ channels regulate neuronal signaling, heart rate, vascular tone, and hormone secretion. They also regulate cell volume and K⁺ uptake, and control the flow of salt across epithelia. We have identified a particular class of K⁺ channels, called two-P-domain K⁺ channels (K₂P). They produce background conductances that are a major determinant of resting potential and input resistance, two key components of neuronal excitability. K₂P channels are targets of many physiological stimuli, including pH and temperature variations, hypoxia, bioactive lipids, and neurotransmitter modulation. They are also activated by clinically-relevant drugs such as volatile anesthetics and neuroprotective agents. K₂P channels interact with trafficking, addressing and scaffolding proteins. The identification of such proteins provides useful information on the cellular and molecular context in which these channels act.

【参考文献】

• J Neurosci (2009) 29: 2528-2533
• J Neurosci (2008) 28: 8545-8552
• Cell (2007) 130: 563-569
• EMBO J (2006) 25: 5864-5872