Role of KCa3.1 Channels in CNS Diseases: A Concise Review

Abstract

KCa3.1 protein is part of a heterotetrameric voltage-independent potassium channel, the activity of which depends on the intracellular calcium binding to calmodulin. KCa3.1 is immensely significant in regulating immune responses and primarily expressed in cells of hematopoietic lineage. It is one of the attractive pharmacological targets that are known to inhibit neuroinflammation. KCa3.1 blockers mediate neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms, such as by targeting microglia-mediated neuronal killing. KCa3.1 modulators may provide alternative treatment options for neurological disorders like ischemic stroke, Alzheimer disease, glioblastoma multiforme, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. This review is an attempt to draw attention towards KCa3.1 channel, which was never exploited to its full potential as a viable therapeutic candidate against various neurological disorders.