Title: Dynamic regulation of the voltage-gated Kv2.1 potassium channel by multisite phosphorylation.

Authors: D P Mohapatra, K-S Park, J S Trimmer

Journal, date & volume: Biochem. Soc. Trans., 2007 Nov , 35, 1064-8

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17956280

Abstract
Voltage-gated K(+) channels are key regulators of neuronal excitability. The Kv2.1 voltage-gated K(+) channel is the major delayed rectifier K(+) channel expressed in most central neurons, where it exists as a highly phosphorylated protein. Kv2.1 plays a critical role in homoeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability through its activity- and calcineurin-dependent dephosphorylation. Here, we review studies leading to the identification and functional characterization of in vivo Kv2.1 phosphorylation sites, a subset of which contribute to graded modulation of voltage-dependent gating. These findings show that distinct developmental-, cell- and state-specific regulation of phosphorylation at specific sites confers a diversity of functions on Kv2.1 that is critical to its role as a regulator of intrinsic neuronal excitability.