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{{Pfam_box 
| Symbol = SK_channel 
| Name = Calcium-activated SK potassium channel 
| image = 
| width = 
| caption = 
| Pfam= PF03530
| InterPro= IPR011996
| SMART= 
| Prosite =          
| SCOP =     
| TCDB = 
| OPM family= 
| OPM protein= 
| PDB= 
}} 


'''SK channels''' (Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels) are a subfamily of [[Ca activated K channel|Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels]].<ref name="pmid10414306">{{cite journal | author = Bond CT, Maylie J, Adelman JP | title = Small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels | journal = Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. | volume = 868 | issue = 1 MOLECULAR AND| pages = 370–8 | year = 1999 | pmid = 10414306 | doi = 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1999.tb11298.x| url = http://www.annalsnyas.org/cgi/content/abstract/868/1/370 }}</ref> They are so called because of their small single channel conductance, ~10 pS.<ref name="pmid8781233">{{cite journal | author = Köhler M, Hirschberg B, Bond CT, Kinzie JM, Marrion NV, Maylie J, Adelman JP | title = Small-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels from mammalian brain | journal = Science | volume = 273 | pages= 1709–14 | year = 1996 | pmid=8781233 | doi=10.1126/science.273.5282.1709 | issue = 5282}}</ref> SK channels are a type of [[ion channel]] allowing [[potassium]] cations to cross the cell membrane and are activated (opened) by an increase in the concentration of intracellular calcium.  Their activation limits the firing frequency of [[action potential]]s and are important for regulating [[afterhyperpolarization]] in central neurons and other types of electrically excitable cells.  This is accomplished through the hyperpolarizing leak of positively charged potassium ions into the extracellular space, along a concentration gradient.  [[Hyperpolarization]] causes the voltage across a membrane to become more negative. <ref name="pmid17714097">{{cite journal | author = Faber ES, Sah P | title = Functions of SK channels in central neurons | journal = Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol. | volume = 34 | issue = 10 | pages = 1077–83 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17714097 | doi = 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2007.04725.x }}</ref> SK channels are thought to be involved in [[synaptic plasticity]] and therefore play important roles in memory and learning.<ref name="pmid12451117">{{cite journal | author = Stackman RW, Hammond RS, Linardatos E, Gerlach A, Maylie J, Adelman JP, Tzounopoulos T | title = Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels modulate synaptic plasticity and memory encoding | journal = J. Neurosci. | volume = 22 | issue = 23 | pages = 10163–71 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12451117 | doi = | issn = | url = http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/23/10163 }}</ref>
[[File:SK Channel.jpg|SK Channel]]
==Structure==
SK potassium channels share the same basic architecture with Shaker-like [[voltage-gated potassium channel]]s.<ref name="pmid14500775">{{cite journal | author = Maylie J, Bond CT, Herson PS, Lee WS, Adelman JP | title = Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and calmodulin | journal = J. Physiol. (Lond.) | volume = 554 | issue = Pt 2 | pages = 255–61 | year = 2004 | pmid = 14500775 | doi = 10.1113/jphysiol.2003.049072 | pmc = 1664776 }}</ref>  Four subunits associate to form a [[tetrameric protein|tetramer]].  Each of the subunits has six transmembrane hydrophobic alpha helical domains (S1-S6).  A loop between S5 and S6—called the [[P loop]]—provides the pore-forming region that always faces the center of the channel. <ref> Martin, Stocker. "Ca2+ -activated K+ channels: molecular determinants and function of the SK superfamily." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, no. 5: 758-70. </ref>  Each of the subunits has six [[hydrophobic]] [[alpha helix|alpha helical]] domains which insert into the cell membrane.  A loop between the fifth and sixth transmembrane domain forms the potassium ion [[potassium_channel#Selectivity_filter|selectivity filter]]. SK channels may assemble as homotetrameric channels or as heterotetrameric channels, consisting of more than one SK channel subtype. In addition, SK potassium channels are tightly associated with the protein [[calmodulin]] which accounts for the calcium sensitivity of these channels.<ref name="pmid14500775"/><ref name="pmid11323678">{{cite journal | author = Schumacher MA, Rivard AF, Bächinger HP, Adelman JP | title = Structure of the gating domain of a Ca2+-activated K+ channel complexed with Ca2+/calmodulin | journal = Nature | volume = 410 | issue = 6832 | pages = 1120–4 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11323678 | doi = 10.1038/35074145 }}</ref>  Calmodulin participates as a subunit of the channel itself, bound to the cytoplasmic C-terminus region of the peptide called the [[calmodulin binding domain]] (CaMBD). <ref> Lujián, Rafael, James Maylie, and John P. Adelman. "New sites of action for GIRK and SK channels." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, no. 10 (July 2009): 475-80. </ref>  Additional association of the phosphorylating kinase [[CK2]] and dephosphorylating phosphatase [[PP2A]] on the cytoplasmic face of the protein allow for additional Ca2+-sensitivity—and thus—kinetics modulation. <ref> Weatherall, Kate L., Samuel J. Goodchild, David E. Jane, and Neil V. Marrion. 2010. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels: From structure to function. Progress in Neurobiology 91 (3) (7): 242-55.</ref>  CK2 serves to phosphorylate the SKCa-bound CaM at the T80 residue, rather than the channel helices themselves, to reduce calcium sensitivity. This may only be accomplished when the channel pore is closed. PP2A dephosphorylates this residue upon CK2 inhibition. <ref> Lujián, Rafael, James Maylie, and John P. Adelman. "New sites of action for GIRK and SK channels." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, no. 10 (July 2009): 475-80. </ref> The selectivity filter of all SK channel subtypes—whether SK1, SK2, SK3, or SK4—is highly conserved and reflects the selectivity seen in any [[potassium channel]], a GYGD amino acid residue sequence on the pore-forming loop. <ref> Bernèche, Simon, Roux, Benoît. A Gate in the Selectivity Filter of Potassium Channels 2005 </ref>  These channels are considered to be voltage-independent, as they possess only two of seven positively charged amino acid residues that are typically seen in a prototypical [[voltage-gated potassium channel]]. <ref> Martin, Stocker. "Ca2+ -activated K+ channels: molecular determinants and function of the SK superfamily." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, no. 5: 758-70. </ref>

==Classification==
The SK channel family contains 4 members - [[KCNN1|SK1]], [[KCNN2|SK2]], [[SK3]], and [[KCNN4|SK4]]. SK4 is often referred to as IK (Intermediate conductance) due to its higher conductance 20 - 80 pS.<ref name="pmid9687354">{{cite journal | author = Vergara C, Latorre R, Marrion NV, Adelman JP | title = Calcium-activated potassium channels | journal = Curr Opin Neurobiol. | volume = 8 | issue = Pt 3 | pages = 321–9 | year = 1998 | pmid = 9687354 | doi = 10.1016/S0959-4388(98)80056-1  | url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9687354}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"  style="text-align:center"
| '''Channel''' || '''Gene''' || '''Aliases''' || '''Associated subunits''' 
 |- 
 | [[KCNN1|SK1]] || {{gene|KCNN1}} || K<sub>ca</sub>2.1 || [[calmodulin]], [[PP2A]], [[CK2]]
 |-
 | [[KCNN2|SK2]] || {{gene|KCNN2}} || K<sub>ca</sub>2.2 || [[calmodulin]], [[PP2A]], [[CK2]]
 |- 
 | [[SK3]] || {{gene|KCNN3}} || K<sub>ca</sub>2.3 || [[calmodulin]], [[PP2A]], [[CK2]]
 |-
 | [[KCNN4|SK4]]|| {{gene|KCNN4}} || K<sub>ca</sub>3.1 || [[calmodulin]], [[PP2A]], [[CK2]]
 |}

==Gating Mechanism==
The SK channel gating mechanism is controlled by [[intracellular]] calcium levels. <ref> Adelman, John, James Maylie, and Pankaj Sah. "Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ Channels: Form and Function." Pubmed. N.p., 19 Sept. 2011. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/pubmed/21942705>. </ref> Calcium enters the cell via voltage activated calcium channels as well as through NMDA receptors. <ref> Faber, Louise, and Pnkaj Sah. "Functions of SK Channels in Central Neurons." Pubmed. N.p., Oct. 2007. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Functions%20of%20SK%20Channels%20in%20Central%20Neurons%20louise>. </ref>  Calcium does not directly bind to the SK channel. Calcium binds to the protein calmodulin (CaM). When bound to calcium, CaM binds to the CaM-binding domain on the intracellular subunit of the SK channel. When each of the four CaM-binding domain subunits is bound to calmodulin, the SK channel changes confirmation. This transitions the channel from a [[tetramer]] of [[monomers]] to a folded [[dimer]] of dimers which results in rotation of the CaM binding domains. This rotation causes the mechanical opening of the channel gate. <ref> Adelman, John, James Maylie, and Pankaj Sah. "Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ Channels: Form and Function." Pubmed. N.p., 19 Sept. 2011. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/pubmed/21942705>. </ref> Calcium enters the cell via voltage activated calcium channels as well as through NMDA receptors. <ref> Faber, Louise, and Pnkaj Sah. "Functions of SK Channels in Central Neurons." Pubmed. N.p., Oct. 2007. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Functions%20of%20SK%20Channels%20in%20Central%20Neurons%20louise>. </ref> The time constant of SK channel activation is approximately 5ms. When calcium levels are depleted, the time constant for channel deactivation ranges from 15-60ms. <ref> Berkefeld, Henrike, Bernd Fakler, and Uwe Schulte. "Ca2+-activated K+ Channels: From Protein Complexes to Function." Pubmed. N.p., Oct. 2010. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/pubmed/20959620>. </ref>

==Function==
SK channels are expressed throughout the [[central nervous system]]. They are highly conserved in mammals as well as in other organisms such as [[Drosophila melanogaster]] and [[C. elegans]]. <ref> Adelman, John, James Maylie, and Pankaj Sah. "Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ Channels: Form and Function." Pubmed. N.p., 19 Sept. 2011. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/pubmed/21942705>. </ref> SK channels are specifically involved in the medium afterhyperpolarizing potential (mAHP). They affect both the intrinsic excitability of neurons and synaptic transmission. SK channels control action potential discharge frequency in hippocampal neurons, midbrain dopaminergic neurons, dorsal vagal neurons, sympathetic neurons, nucleus reticularis thalmic neurons, inferior olive neurons, spinal and hypoglossal motoneurons, mitrial cells in the olfactory bulb, and cortical neurons. <ref> Faber, Louise, and Pnkaj Sah. "Functions of SK Channels in Central Neurons." Pubmed. N.p., Oct. 2007. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Functions%20of%20SK%20Channels%20in%20Central%20Neurons%20louise>. </ref>

==Blockers==
All SK channels can be pharmacologically blocked by quaternary ammonium salts of a plant-derived neurotoxin [[bicuculline]].<ref name="pmid10398861">{{cite journal | author = Khawaled R, Bruening-Wright A, Adelman JP, Maylie J | title = Bicuculline block of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels | journal = Pflugers Arch. | volume = 438 | issue = 3 | pages = 314–21 | year = 1999 | pmid = 10398861 | doi = 10.1007/s004240050915 }}</ref> In addition, SK channels (SK1-SK3) but not SK4 (IK) are sensitive to blockade by the bee toxin [[apamin]],<ref name="pmid2430185">{{cite journal | author = Blatz AL, Magleby KL | title = Single apamin-blocked Ca-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels of small conductance in cultured rat skeletal muscle | journal = Nature | volume = 323 | issue = 6090 | pages = 718–20 | year = 1986 | pmid = 2430185 | doi = 10.1038/323718a0 }}</ref> and the [[scorpion]] venoms [[tamapin]] and [[charybdotoxin]] (ChTx).<ref name="pmid12239213">{{cite journal | author = Pedarzani P, D'hoedt D, Doorty KB, Wadsworth JD, Joseph JS, Jeyaseelan K, Kini RM, Gadre SV, Sapatnekar SM, Stocker M, Strong PN | title = Tamapin, a venom peptide from the Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) that targets small conductance Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels and afterhyperpolarization currents in central neurons | journal = J. Biol. Chem. | volume = 277 | issue = 48 | pages = 46101–9 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12239213 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M206465200 }}</ref> All known blockers compete for roughly the same binding site, the pore, in all subtypes.  This provides a physical blockage to the channel pore. <ref> Dilly, Sébastien, Cédric Lamy, Jean-François Liégeois, and Vincent Seutin. "Ion-channel modulators: more diversity than previously thought." CHEMBIOCHEM 12, no. 12 (August 16, 2011): 1808-12. </ref>  Since all blockers are universal to all three types of SK channels, this provides an incredibly narrow [[therapeutic window]] that does not allow for blocking of a specific SK channel subtype. <ref> Weatherall, Kate L., Samuel J. Goodchild, David E. Jane, and Neil V. Marrion. 2010. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels: From structure to function. Progress in Neurobiology 91 (3) (7): 242-55.</ref>  Quaternary ammonium salts like bicuculline and [[tetraethylammonium]] (TEA) enter the pore via the selectivity filter by acting as a potassium mimic in the dehydration step of pore permeation. <ref>Dilly, Sébastien, Cédric Lamy, Jean-François Liégeois, and Vincent Seutin. "Ion-channel modulators: more diversity than previously thought." CHEMBIOCHEM 12, no. 12 (August 16, 2011): 1808-12. </ref>

The following molecules are other [[toxins]] and [[organic compounds]] that also inhibit all three SK channel subtypes to any (even minimal) degree: <ref> Weatherall, Kate L., Samuel J. Goodchild, David E. Jane, and Neil V. Marrion. 2010. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels: From structure to function. Progress in Neurobiology 91 (3) (7): 242-55.</ref>
*[[Dequalinium]]
*d-Turbocuranine
*UCl-1684
*UCL-1848
*Cyproheptadine
*[[Fluoxetine]], the active ingredient in [[Prozac]]
*NS8593
*[[Scyllatoxin]] (Leiurotoxin-I)
*Lei-Dab7

==Modulators==
Allosteric modulators of SK channels work by changing the apparent calcium sensitivity of the channels.  Examples include:
* Non selective positive modulators of SK channels: EBIO (1-'''E'''thyl-2-'''B'''enzim'''I'''dazolin'''O'''ne),<ref name="pmid11134030">{{cite journal | author = Pedarzani P, Mosbacher J, Rivard A, Cingolani LA, Oliver D, Stocker M, Adelman JP, Fakler B | title = Control of electrical activity in central neurons by modulating the gating of small conductance Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels | journal = J. Biol. Chem. | volume = 276 | issue = 13 | pages = 9762–9 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11134030 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M010001200 }}</ref> NS309 (6,7-dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione 3-oxime)<ref name="pmid15471565">{{cite journal | author = Strøbaek D, Teuber L, Jørgensen TD, Ahring PK, Kjaer K, Hansen RS, Olesen SP, Christophersen P, Skaaning-Jensen B | title = Activation of human IK and SK Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels by NS309 (6,7-dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione 3-oxime) | journal = Biochim. Biophys. Acta | volume = 1665 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 1–5 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15471565 | doi = 10.1016/j.bbamem.2004.07.006 }}</ref>
* SK-3 selective positive modulators : CyPPA (NS6277; '''Cy'''clohexyl-(2-(3,5-dimethyl-'''P'''yrazol-1-yl)-6-methyl-'''P'''yrimidin-4-yl)-'''A'''mine)<ref name="pmid17486140">{{cite journal | author = Hougaard C, Eriksen BL, Jørgensen S, Johansen TH, Dyhring T, Madsen LS, Strøbaek D, Christophersen P | title = Selective positive modulation of the SK3 and SK2 subtypes of small conductance Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels | journal = Br. J. Pharmacol. | volume = 151 | issue = 5 | pages = 655–65 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17486140 | doi = 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707281 | pmc = 2014002 }}</ref>
<br />[[Image:SK channel modulators.png|left|450px|Chemical structure of SK ion channel modulators.]]
{{-}}

==Role in Parkinson’s Disease==

The dysfunction of potassium channels, including SK channels, is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of [[Parkinson’s disease]] (PD), a progressive [[neurodegenerative disorder]].  

SK channel blockers control the firing rate (the number of [[action potentials]] produced by a [[neuron]] in a given time) and the firing pattern (the way action potentials are allocated throughout time) through their production of m-AHP. SK channel activators decrease the firing rate and neuron sensitivity to excitatory stimuli, whereas SK channel blockers increase the firing rate and sensitivity to excitatory stimuli. This has important implications as to the function of dopaminergic neurons.  For example, the amount of dopamine released by midbrain dopaminergic neurons is much higher when the frequency of firing increases than when they fire at a constant rate. 

SK channels are widely expressed in midbrain [[dopaminergic]] neurons. Multiple pharmacological techniques have been used to adjust SK affinity for calcium ions, thereby modulating the excitability of [[substantia nigra]] dopaminergic neurons.  Blockage of SK channels in vivo increases the firing rate of substantia nigra cells, which increases the amount of dopamine released from the synaptic terminals. When a large amount of dopamine accumulates in the cytosol, cell damage is induced due to the build-up of free radicals and damage to mitochondria. 
In addition, techniques have been used to modulate SK channels in order to alter the dopamine [[phenotype]] of neurons.  After the loss of TH+ substantia nigra compacta (SNc) neurons due to Parkinson’s-induced neurodegeneration, the number of these neurons can partially recover via a cell phenotype “shift” from TH- to TH+. The number of TH+ neurons can be altered by SK channel modulation – specifically, the infusion of SK agonists into substantia nigra increases the number of TH+ neurons whereas the infusion of SK anatagonist decreases the number of TH+ neurons.  The reason for this relationship between SK channels and TH expression may be due to neuroprotection against dopamine [[toxicity]]. 

Based on the two opposing roles of SK channels in the [[pathogenesis]] of PD, two contradictory methods have been suggested as therapeutic options for the improvement of PD symptoms:
Inhibition of SK channels
*Inhibition of SK channels, specifically the blockage of SK3 channels, increases the frequency of firing in dopaminergic neurons, thereby increasing the release of [[dopamine]].  It is therefore thought that the application of SK3 channels blockers in PD patients may alleviate short-term motor symptoms. 
*However, inhibition also results in a decreased number of TH+ substantia nigra compacta (SNc) neurons in the cell which results in a decrease in dopamine synthesis over the long term. 
Facilitation of SK channels
*Enhancing the function of SK channels increases the number of TH+ substantia nigra compacta (SNc) neurons in the cell, thereby maintaining dopamine synthesis over the long term.
*However, the facilitation of SK channels decreases the firing frequency in dopaminergic neurons over the short term. 

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{MeshName|SK+Potassium+Channels}}
* {{cite web | url = http://www.iuphar-db.org/IC/FamilyMenuForward?familyId=15| title = Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels | accessdate = | author = | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | format = | work = IUPHAR Database of Receptors and Ion Channels | publisher = International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | quote = }}
* {{cite web | url= http://www.ohsu.edu/vollum/faculty/adelman/#research | title= Research interests: Small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels) | accessdate= 2008-01-22 | author= Dr. John Adelman | publisher= Oregon Health & Science University |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070930020910/http://www.ohsu.edu/vollum/faculty/adelman/#research <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-09-30}}

{{Ion channels|g3}}

[[:Category:Neurochemistry]]
[[:Category:Ion channels]]


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