KCNK2

Potassium channel subfamily K member 2 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the KCNK2 is_associated_with::gene.

Function in neurons
Another name for this channel is TREK-1. TREK-1 is part of the subfamily of mechano-gated is_associated_with::potassium channels that are present in mammalian neurons. They can be gated in both chemical and physical ways and can be opened via both physical stimuli and chemical stimuli. TREK-1 channels are found in a variety of tissues, but are particularly abundant in the brain and heart and are seen in various types of neurons. The C-terminal of TREK-1 channels plays a role in the mechanosensitivity of the channels.

In the neurons of the is_associated_with::central nervous system, TREK-1 channels are important in physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmacological processes, including having a role in electrogenesis, is_associated_with::ischemia, and is_associated_with::anesthesia. TREK-1 has an important role in neuroprotection against is_associated_with::epilepsy and brain and spinal chord is_associated_with::ischemia and is being evaluated as a potential target for new developments of therapeutic agents for neurology and anesthesiology.

In the absence of a properly functioning is_associated_with::cytoskeleton, TREK-1 channels can still open via mechanical gating. The is_associated_with::cell membrane functions independently of the cytoskeleton and the thickness and curvature of the membrane is able to modulate the activity of the TREK-1 channels. The insertion of certain compounds into the membrane is thought to mediate the opening of TREK-1 by forming a curve in the membrane.