Human TREK2, a 2P domain mechano-sensitive K+ channel with multiple regulations by polyunsaturated fatty acids, lysophospholipids, and G(s), G(i), and G(q) protein-coupled receptors (original) (raw)

Mechano-sensitive and fatty acid-activated K ؉ belong to the structural class of K ؉ channel with two pore domains. Here, we report the isolation and the characterization of a novel member of this family. This channel, called TREK2, is closely related to TREK1 (78% of homology). Its gene is located on chromosome 14q31. TREK2 is abundantly expressed in pancreas and kidney and to a lower level in brain, testis, colon, and small intestine. In the central nervous system, TREK2 has a widespread distribution with the highest levels of expression in cerebellum, occipital lobe, putamen, and thalamus. In transfected cells, TREK2 produces rapidly activating and non-inactivating outward rectifier K ؉ currents. The single-channel conductance is 100 picosiemens at ؉40 mV in 150 mM K ؉ . The currents can be strongly stimu-* This work was supported by CNRS and the Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM). The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. This article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.