ABSTRACT
Voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels are K+ selective pores in the membrane that open or close with changes in the membrane potential. Kv channels constitute the largest family of K+ channels. Kv channels are expressed in most cell types and play diverse physiological roles that depend on the specific cell type. In neurons and muscle cells, Kv channels are responsible for the repolarization phase of the action potential. This chapter discusses the structure of Kv channels and describes key aspects of ionic selectivity, voltage gating and the mechanisms of inactivation that operate in these channels. The various families of Kv channels and key functional properties and pharmacology of these channel families are described. Aspects of Kv channels that are presently not well understood and represent avenues of future research are discussed.
