Molecular Classification
Ion channel, Potassium channel, Calcium-activated channel
Other Names
Big Potassium channel, Maxi-K channel, Maxi K Channel, Slo1, SLO1, hSlo, mSLO, HSLO, KCa1.1, KCNMA1, Stretch-Activated Kca Channel, SAKCA, BKTM, BKCA Alpha Subunit
Disease Roles
Paroxysmal Nonkinesigenic Dyskinesia type 3Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy type 16Liang-Wang syndrome

Calcium-dependent Potassium Channel Subunit Alpha Overview

The BK channel, also known as the calcium-dependent potassium channel alpha subunit, is a large conductance potassium channel activated by both membrane depolarization and increases in intracellular calcium or magnesium levels. It is a homotetramer composed of four identical alpha subunits encoded by the *KCNMA1* gene. BK channels are widely expressed throughout the body and have distinct roles depending on cell type. Mutations in *KCNMA1* are associated with several neurological disorders.

Mechanism of Action

Channel blocker

Biological Functions

Membrane repolarization
Regulation of neurotransmitter release
Regulation of neuronal excitability
Smooth muscle contraction control
Potassium secretion regulation
Hearing processes
Cell division and migration

Disease Associations

Paroxysmal Nonkinesigenic Dyskinesia type 3
Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy type 16
Liang-Wang syndrome

Safety Considerations

No safety concerns listed

Interacting Drugs

Charybdotoxin