Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels in Neurological Diseases in Last Decade

Abstract

Along the last decade, the central role of ion channels in neurological diseases has been carefully studying. Especially, inwardly-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels controlling the cell excitability by acting towards the hyperpolarization phase of neuronal action potential are vital in the neurological disease mechanism. Recent functional studies have shown that the Kir channels associating with various neurological disorders, primarily epilepsy cannot carry K+ ions into the cell due to dysfunction. Investigations into the role of Kir channels with 7 subfamilies in the mechanism of neurological disorders (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, etc.) have shown that the Kir channels functionally may change. After the key role of Kir channels in the pathophysiology is shown, novel drug studies targeting these channels have begun to be developed. Mutations in genes encoding ion channel protein dysfunction have also been included in this review. This is the review to our knowledge in neurological disorders showing the functional expression of Kir channels. Our review shows that Kir channels may play a role in pathophysiology associated with neurologic diseases. In review, the role of Kir channels in various common neurological diseases will be classified and a resource will be created for the researchers.