NCBI Summary:
This gene encodes one of the members of the two-pore-domain background potassium channel protein family. This type of potassium channel is formed by two homodimers that create a channel that leaks potassium out of the cell to control resting membrane potential. The channel can be opened, however, by certain anesthetics, membrane stretching, intracellular acidosis, and heat. Three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
General function
Channel/transport protein
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Cellular localization
Plasma membrane
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Ovarian function
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Expression regulated by
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Ovarian localization
Surface epithelium, Ovarian tumor
Comment
Expression and effects of modulation of the K2P potassium channels TREK-1 (KCNK2) and TREK-2 (KCNK10) in the normal human ovary and epithelial ovarian cancer. Innamaa A et al. PURPOSE: Aberrant expression of potassium (K(+)) channels contributes to cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, and K(+) channel blockers can inhibit cell proliferation. TREK-1 and -2 belong to the two-pore domain (K2P) superfamily. We report TREK-1 and -2 expression in ovarian cancer and normal ovaries, and the effects of TREK-1 modulators on cell proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: The cellular localisation of TREK-1 and -2 was investigated by immunofluorescence in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cell lines and in cultured ovarian surface epithelium and cancer. Channel expression in normal ovaries and cancer was quantified by western blotting. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the association between channel expression and disease prognosis, stage, and grade. TREK-1 modulation of cell proliferation in the cell lines was investigated with the MTS-assay and the effect on apoptosis determined using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Expression was identified in both cell lines, ovarian cancer (n=22) and normal ovaries (n=6). IHC demonstrated positive staining for TREK-1 and -2 in 95.7% of tumours (n=69) and 100% of normal ovaries (n=9). A reduction in cell proliferation (P<0.05) was demonstrated at 96h in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells incubated TREK-1 modulating agents. Curcumin caused a significant reduction in early apoptosis in SKOV-3 (P<0.001) and OVCAR-3 (P<0.0001) cells and a significant increase in late apoptosis in SKOV-3 (P<0.01) and OVCAR-3 cells (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: TREK-1 and -2 are expressed in normal ovaries and ovarian cancer. TREK-1 modulators have a significant effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis. We propose investigation of the therapeutic potential of TREK-1 blockers is warranted.