Two-Pore-Domain Potassium (K2P-) Channels: Cardiac Expression Patterns and Disease-Specific Remodelling Processes

Two-pore-domain potassium (K-2P-) channels conduct outward K+ currents that maintain the resting membrane potential and modulate action potential repolarization. Members of the K-2P channel family are widely expressed among different human cell types and organs where they were shown to regulate important physiological processes. Their functional activity is controlled by a broad variety of different stimuli, like pH level, temperature, and mechanical stress but also by the presence of lipids or pharmacological agents. In patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, alterations in K-2P-channel expression and function have been observed, suggesting functional significance and a potential therapeutic role of these ion channels. For example, upregulation of atrial specific K(2P)3.1 (TASK-1) currents in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients was shown to contribute to atrial action potential duration shortening, a key feature of AF-associated atrial electrical remodelling. Therefore, targeting K(2P)3.1 (TASK-1) channels might constitute an intriguing strategy for AF treatment. Further, mechanoactive K(2P)2.1 (TREK-1) currents have been implicated in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. Cardiovascular expression of other K-2P channels has been described, functional evidence in cardiac tissue however remains sparse. In the present review, expression, function, and regulation of cardiovascular K-2P channels are summarized and compared among different species. Remodelling patterns, observed in disease models are discussed and compared to findings from clinical patients to assess the therapeutic potential of K-2P channels.

Automated summary

K-2P channels play important roles in maintaining resting membrane potential, modulating action potential repolarization, and regulating physiological processes. Dysregulation of K-2P channels in cardiovascular diseases may have therapeutic significance. Channels like K(2P)3.1 (TASK-1) and K(2P)2.1 (TREK-1) are associated with atrial fibrillation and cardiac remodeling, respectively.