KV7 potassium channels: a new therapeutic target in smooth muscle disorders

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Potassium channels are key regulators of smooth muscle tone, with increases in activity resulting in hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane, which acts to oppose vasoconstriction. Several potassium channels exist within smooth muscle, but the KV7 family of voltage-gated potassium channels have been identified as being crucial mediators of this process in a variety of smooth muscle. Recently, KV7 channels have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, as well as being implicated in other smooth muscle disorders, providing a new and inviting target for smooth muscle disorders.
Original languageEnglish
JournalDrug Discovery Today
Volume19
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)413-424
Number of pages12
ISSN1359-6446
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Dec 2014

ID: 108539203