NCBI Summary:
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the family of potassium channel proteins containing two pore-forming P domains. This channel is an open rectifier which primarily passes outward current under physiological K+ concentrations, and is stimulated strongly by arachidonic acid and to a lesser degree by membrane stretching, intracellular acidification, and general anaesthetics. Several alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 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.