Title: New disguises for an old channel: MaxiK channel beta-subunits.

Authors: Patricio Orio, Patricio Rojas, Gonzalo Ferreira, Ramon Latorre

Journal, date & volume: News Physiol. Sci., 2002 Aug , 17, 156-61

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12136044

Abstract
Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels of large conductance (MaxiK or BK channels) control a large variety of physiological processes, including smooth muscle tone, neurosecretion, and hearing. Despite being coded by a single gene (Slowpoke), the diversity of MaxiK channels is great. Regulatory b-subunits, splicing, and metabolic regulation create this diversity fundamental to the adequate function of many tissues.