Potassium channels in the neuronal homeostasis and neurodegenerative pathways underlying Alzheimer's disease: An update

With more than 80 subunits, potassium (K+) channels represent a group of ion channels showing high degree of diversity and ubiquity. They play important role in the control of membrane depolarization and cell excitability in several tissues, including the brain. Controlling the intracellular and extracellular K+ flow in cells, they also modulate the hormone and neurotransmitter release, apoptosis and cell proliferation. It is therefore not surprising that an improper functioning of K+ channels in neurons has been associated with pathophysiology of a wide range of neurological disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the basic properties and pathophysiological functions of the main classes of K+ channels in the context of disease processes, also discussing the progress, challenges and opportunities to develop drugs targeting these channels as potential pharmacological approach for AD treatment.