Disease relevance of Kcnn1

• The presence of mRNA for SK1, -2, -3, and -4 (intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) 1 [IK1]) channels was demonstrated by RT-PCR in rodent islets and insulinoma cells [1].

High impact information on Kcnn1

• We conclude that SK1, -2, -3, and IK1 (SK4) are expressed in islet cells and insulin-secreting cells and are able to influence glucose-induced calcium responses, thereby regulating insulin secretion [1].
• To investigate the distribution of all three SK channel subunits in the mouse central nervous system, we performed immunohistochemistry using sequence-specific antibodies directed against SK1, SK2, and SK3 proteins [2].
• Expression of SK1 and SK2 proteins revealed a partly overlapping distribution pattern restricted to a limited number of brain areas (e.g., neocortex, hippocampal formation) [2].
• Studies of SK channel knock-out mice reveal that of the three apamin-sensitive SK channel subunits (SK1-SK3), only SK2 subunits are necessary for the apamin-sensitive currents in CA1 hippocampal neurons [3].
• We have shown recently that the small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel SK3 controls pacemaker frequency and precision in DA neurons of the substantia nigra (SN), and previous studies have implicated SK channels in the transition to burst firing [4].

Biological context of Kcnn1

• The mouse SK1 gene comprises at least 12 exons extending across 19.8 kb of genomic DNA [5].
• Optional inclusion of exons 7 and 9, together with two alternate splice donor sites in exon 8, yields transcripts encoding eight variant C-terminal amino acid sequences for SK1 [5].

References