Title:Role of KCa3.1 Channels in CNS Diseases: A Concise Review
Volume: 15
Issue: 10
Author(s): Sinoy Sugunan, Sreekala S. Nampoothiri, Tanya Garg and Rajanikant G. Krishnamurthy
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Alzheimer disease, glioblastoma multiforme, ischemic stroke, KCa3.1, KCNN4, multiple sclerosis.
Abstract: KCa3.1 protein is part of a heterotetrameric voltage-independent
potassium channel, the activity of which depends on the intracellular calcium
binding to calmodulin. KCa3.1 is immensely significant in regulating immune
responses and primarily expressed in cells of hematopoietic lineage. It is one of the
attractive pharmacological targets that are known to inhibit neuroinflammation.
KCa3.1 blockers mediate neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms, such as by
targeting microglia-mediated neuronal killing. KCa3.1 modulators may provide
alternative treatment options for neurological disorders like ischemic stroke,
Alzheimer disease, glioblastoma multiforme, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord
injury. This review is an attempt to draw attention towards KCa3.1 channel, which
was never exploited to its full potential as a viable therapeutic candidate against various neurological
disorders.
