BK Channel Screening & Ξ²-Subunit Profiling

BK channels, widely recognized as high-conductance voltage and calcium-activated potassium channels, are transmembrane proteins consisting of four pore-forming Ξ± subunits (Figure 1). Each Ξ± subunits is comprised of Β seven transmembrane segments, encompassing a Β voltage sensor domain and a pore-forming domain.

Far from passive entities, BK channels have a unique dual activation mechanism, responding to both membrane depolarization and intracellular calcium concentrations. This distinctive trait enables BK channels to finely Β modulate cellular excitability and signalling pathways. Β Activation triggers a cascade where BK channels facilitate the efflux of potassium ions, inducing membrane Β hyperpolarization and effectively diminishing cellular Β excitability. Β Beyond their primary duty in overseeing the smooth muscle tone across vital tissues such as blood vessels, urinary blader, and the gastrointestinal tract, BK channels play a pivotal role in modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Β Sygnature Discovery have developed a suite of Β comprehensive assays showcasing calcium sensitivity, kinetics, activator and inhibitor profiling, reproducibility benchmarks, and I-V assays. At Sygnature Discovery, we don’t just offer customizable assays; we provide a Β pathway to novel insights, providing your research with data you can trust.

CASE STUDY

Download the PDF: BK Channel Screening & Ξ²-Subunit Profiling