Insight into a multifunctional potassium channel Kv1.3 and its novel implication in chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a global public health problem, causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Innovative therapeutic strategies to mitigate the progression of CKD are needed due to the limitations of existing treatments. Kv1.3, a voltage-gated potassium ion channel, plays a crucial role in multiple biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, energy homeostasis, and migration. Inhibition of the Kv1.3 channels has shown beneficial effects in the therapy of a wide range of human diseases such as cancer, autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. Increasing evidence reveals a close link between Kv1.3 and CKD. This review summarises the most recent insights into the physiological functions of the Kv1.3 channel and its pharmacological modulators. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of targeting Kv1.3 for CKD is also discussed. Collectively, these studies suggested that Kv1.3 channels may serve as a novel target for CKD therapy.