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Cloning, localisation and functional expression of the human orthologue of the TREK-1 potassium channel

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Abstract

We have cloned human TREK-1, one of the newly emerging mammalian family of 2-P domain potassium channels. The channel has 411 amino acids with a 41-amino-acid extension at the C-terminus when compared with the cloned mouse TREK-1 channel. Expression of hTREK-1 produced a substantial hyperpolarising shift in resting membrane potential accompanied by the induction of large, outwardly rectifying, non-inactivating currents which were potassium selective. Pharmacologically, hTREK-1-mediated currents were only blocked to a limited extent by classic potassium channel blockers or open channel pore blockers known to potently inhibit other channels. The channel was reversibly potentiated by arachidonic acid. CNS distribution of hTREK-1 is widespread with higher levels being observed in caudate, putamen, amygdala, thalamus and spinal cord. Only low levels of expression were seen in the majority of peripheral regions. Thus, hTREK-1, although functionally and pharmacologically similar to mouse TREK-1, appears to have a more CNS-specific distribution.

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Received after revision: 30 November 1999

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Meadows, H., Benham, C., Cairns, W. et al. Cloning, localisation and functional expression of the human orthologue of the TREK-1 potassium channel. Pflügers Arch – Eur J Physiol 439, 714–722 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004249900235

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004249900235

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