Mitochondrial KATP Channels: The Facts and the Hypotheses

Authors: Akopova OV*

DOI: 10.23880/ijbp-16000207

Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

The discovery of mitochondrial KATP channel (mKATP channel) in 1991 started extensive studies of its biophysical and biochemical properties, as well as cytoprotective mechanisms afforded by mKATP channels opening. However, molecular nature of mKATP channels remained undisclosed for three decades, and several hypotheses were proposed about their molecular composition. The discovery of molecular composition of mKATP channel in 2019 was an outstanding advance in mKATP channels research; nevertheless the issue of molecular nature of mKATP channel was not answered ultimately. Novel discoveries posed still more question about physiological relevance of mKATP channels and their role in the regulation of mitochondrial functions. So, how to explain apparent multiplicity of mKATP channels found in mitochondria?. And which is physiological relevance of these channels with similar biophysical properties?. The aim of this work was a brief overview of the current knowledge on mitochondrial KATP channels and their physiological functions.

Keywords: Mitochondria; KATP Channels; Kir6.1; Kir6.2; MitoK; Cytoprotection

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