The aim of the present book is to comprehensively review current advances in understanding of genetics, structural biology, pharmacology of potassium channels and their roles in disease as well as to identify current gaps in knowledge. The ultimate goal is to provide a scientific foundation for better understanding of modulatory mechanisms and pharmacology of potassium channels and to use this understanding to drive future drug discovery.This book will be a must-have for academic and industrial scientists interested in physiology, pharmacology, pathology and structure-functional relationships of ion channels. The book will also be helpful for lecturers and students in the college and university classrooms, as well as for anyone interested in the state-of-the art in modern cell biology, physiology and pharmacology.

Inhalt

Comparison of K+ Channel families.-  High-resolution structures of K+ channels.- Pharmacological approaches to studying potassium channels.- Cardiac K+ channels and channelopathies.- Cardiac hERG K+ channel as safety and pharmacological target.- Pharmacology of A-type K+ channels.- Kv7 channels and hyperexcitability disorders.- Pharmacological activation of neuronal voltage-gated Kv7/KCNQ/M-channels for potential therapy of epilepsy and pain.- Potassium channels in cancer.- Kir channel molecular physiology, pharmacology and therapeutic implications.- The pharmacology of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP).- Calcium-activated K+ channels (KCa) and therapeutic implications.- The Pharmacology of two-pore domain potassium channels.- Control of biophysical and pharmacological properties of potassium channels by ancillary subunits.- Peptide toxins targeting KV channels.- Therapeutic antibodies targeting potassium ion channels.