Recent advance and possible future in TREK-2: a two-pore potassium channel may involved in the process of NPP, brain ischemia and memory impairment

Med Hypotheses. 2008;70(3):618-24. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.06.016. Epub 2007 Aug 6.

Abstract

TREK-2, a new member of the mechanosensitive tandem-pore K+ channel family, share 65% amino acid sequence identity and some similar basic electrophysiological and pharmacological properties with TREK-1. It also has some specific regulatory pathway and tissue distribution contrasted with TREK-1 and TRAAK. TREK-2 distributes extensively in CNS and periphery tissue. It can be regulated by G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and may involve in several of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The long-chain unsaturated free fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA), PHi, pressure and temperature can increase the activity of TREK-2. The purpose of this review is to present the recent study and possible importance of TREK-2 in neuropathic pain, thereby emphasizing TREK-2 as one of the important mechanisms underlying. This information should be very useful and prospective for effective chronic pain therapy and future analgesic drug development. This review also further predicts the role of TREK-2 in brain ischemia, memory and other tissue. The specific location and function of TREK-2 in these tissues need further study.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Ischemia / physiopathology*
  • Electrophysiology
  • Humans
  • Mammals
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Neuralgia / physiopathology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / chemistry
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / genetics
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / physiology*

Substances

  • KCNK10 protein, human
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain
  • potassium channel protein TREK-1