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BK channels (Big Potassium), also called Maxi-K or slo1, are potassium channels characterized by their large conductance for potassium ions (K+) through cell membranes. These channels are activated (opened) by changes in membrane electrical potential and/or by increases in concentration of intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+). Opening of BK channels allows K+ to passively flow through the channel, down the electrochemical gradient. Under typical physiological conditions, this results in an efflux of K+ from the cell, which leads to cell membrane hyperpolarization (an increase in the electrical potential across the cell membrane) and a decrease in cell excitability (a decrease in the probability that the cell will transmit an action potential). BK channels are essential for the regulation of several key physiological processes including smooth muscle tone and neuronal excitability. They control the contraction of smooth muscle and are involved with the electrical tuning of hair cells in the cochlea. BK channels also contribute to the behavioral effects of ethanol in the worm ''C. elegans'' under high exogenous doses (> 100 mM) that have been shown to correspond to biologically relevant internal ethanol concentrations. It remains to be determined if BK channels contribute to intoxication in humans. ==Structure== As with most other voltage-gated potassium channels, BK channels have a tetrameric structure. Each monomer of the channel-forming alpha subunit is the product of the KCNMA1 gene. Modulatory beta subunits (encoded by KCNMB1, KCNMB2, KCNMB3, or KCNMB4) can associate with the tetrametic channel. BK channels are a prime example of modular protein evolution. Each BK channel alpha subunit consists of (from N- to C-terminal): #A unique transmembrane domain (S0) that precedes the 6 transmembrane domains (S1-S6) conserved in all voltage-dependent K+ channels. #A voltage sensing domain (S1-S4). #A K+ channel pore domain (S5, selectivity filter, and S6). #A cytoplasmic C-terminal domain (CTD) consisting of a pair of RCK (Regulator of Conductance of K+) domains that assemble into an octameric gating ring on the intracellular side of the tetrameric channel. The CTD contains four primary binding sites for Ca2+, called "calcium bowls", encoded within the second RCK domain of each monomer.〔〔〔 Available X-ray structures: * - Crystal Structure of the Human BK Gating Apparatus〔 * - Structure of the Intracellular Gating Ring from the Human High-conductance Ca2+ gated K+ Channel (BK Channel)〔 * - Open Structure of the BK channel Gating Ring〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「BK channel」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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