Fatty acid-sensitive two-pore domain K+ channels

K+ channels that are activated by free fatty acids (here called K-FA channels) are found throughout the CNS and in some peripheral tissues. In addition to free fatty acids, membrane stretch (cell swelling), changes in intracellular pH and volatile anaesthetic agents also activate K-FA channels. Neurotransmitters that bind to G(s)-protein-coupled receptors inhibit K-FA current via cAMP-mediated phosphorylation. K-FA channels are native members of the TREK-TRAAK family, which belongs to the tandem-pore class of K+ (K-2P) channels. The unique properties of K-FA channels indicate that they are well suited to sensing various types of stress that occur in the cell.